Reaction systems for making N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine compounds

ABSTRACT

This invention generally relates to liquid phase oxidation processes for making N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (also known in the agricultural chemical industry as glyphosate) and related compounds. This invention, for example, particularly relates to processes wherein an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (NPMIDA) substrate (i.e., N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, a salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, or an ester of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid) is continuously oxidized to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product (i.e., N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, a salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, or an ester of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine). This invention also, for example, particularly relates to processes wherein an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, which, in turn, is crystallized (at least in part) in an adiabatic crystallizer.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/863,885, filed May 22, 2001, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/206,562, filed May 22, 2000, U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/220,140, filed Jul. 21, 2000, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/230,240, filed Sep. 1, 2000, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to liquid phase oxidation processes for making N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (also known in the agricultural chemical industry as glyphosate) and related compounds. This invention, for example, particularly relates to processes wherein an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (NPMIDA) substrate (i.e., N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, a salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, or an ester of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid) is continuously oxidized to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product (i.e., N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, a salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, or an ester of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine). This invention also, for example, particularly relates to processes wherein an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, which, in turn, is crystallized (at least in part) in an adiabatic crystallizer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine is described by Franz in U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,758. N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine and its salts are conveniently applied as a post-emergent herbicide in an aqueous formulation. It is a highly effective and commercially important broad-spectrum herbicide useful in killing or controlling the growth of a wide variety of plants, including germinating seeds, emerging seedlings, maturing and established woody and herbaceous vegetation, and aquatic plants.

One of the more widely accepted methods of making N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine compounds comprises oxidatively cleaving a carboxymethyl substituent from an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. Over the years, a wide variety of methods have been disclosed for conducting this oxidation. See generally, Franz, et al., Glyphosate: A Unique Global Herbicide (ACS Monograph 189, 1997) at pp. 233-62 (and references cited therein); Franz (U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,402); Hershman (U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,398); Chou (U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,937); Chou (U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,772); Ramon et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,228); Felthouse (U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,650); Siebenhaar et al. (PCT/EP99/04587); and Ebner et al. (International Publication No. WO 99/43430). Although many of these processes produce suitable yields of various N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine products, a need continues to exist for an improved process for oxidizing N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrates. Desirable improvements include increased throughput, reduced cost per unit of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, and reduced concentrations of undesirable by-products (e.g., formaldehyde, formic acid, N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (NMG), and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA)).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides, in part, for economical processes for oxidizing N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, salts of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, and esters of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, salts of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, and esters of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. This invention also provides effective methods for purifying and/or concentrating the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product obtained in the oxidation reaction mixture.

Briefly, therefore, the present invention is directed to a process for making an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reactor system in which the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized in the presence of an oxidation catalyst to produce a reaction product solution comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reaction product solution is divided into plural fractions comprising a primary fraction and a secondary fraction. N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals are precipitated from the primary fraction to produce a primary product slurry comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and a primary mother liquor, while N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals are also precipitated from an aqueous secondary crystallization feed mixture comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product contained in the secondary fraction to produce a secondary product slurry comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and a secondary mother liquor.

In another embodiment, the process for making an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reactor system and oxidizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the oxidation reactor system in the presence of an oxidation catalyst to produce a reaction product solution containing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals are precipitated from the reaction product solution to produce a primary product slurry comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and a primary mother liquor. Water is then evaporated from the primary mother liquor to thereby precipitate additional N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and produce a secondary mother liquor.

In another embodiment, the process for making an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a primary oxidation reactor system comprising one or more oxidation reaction zones. The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized in the primary oxidation reactor system to produce a reaction product solution comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. The reaction product solution is divided into plural fractions comprising a primary fraction and a secondary oxidation reactor feed fraction. N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals are precipitated from the primary fraction to produce a primary product slurry comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and a primary mother liquor. The secondary oxidation reactor feed fraction is introduced into a secondary oxidation reactor system comprising one or more oxidation reaction zones. The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized in the secondary oxidation reactor system to produce a secondary oxidation reactor effluent comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Thereafter, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals are precipitated from the secondary oxidation reactor effluent to produce a secondary product slurry comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and a secondary mother liquor.

The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product by oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. The process comprises introducing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a liquid reaction medium comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product within an oxidation reaction zone. The oxidation reaction zone is substantially back-mixed in the liquid phase and contains a catalyst for the oxidation reaction in contact with the liquid reaction medium. An oxidizing agent is also introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to form the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. A reaction mixture effluent comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is continuously withdrawn from the oxidation reaction zone.

In another embodiment, the process comprises introducing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a liquid reaction medium within an oxidation reaction zone. The liquid reaction medium comprises the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and has a particulate heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation reaction suspended therein. An oxidizing agent is also introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized in the liquid reaction medium to form the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. A reaction mixture effluent comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is continuously withdrawn from said oxidation reaction zone. The particulate catalyst is continuously separated from the reaction mixture effluent to form a catalyst recycle stream comprising the separated catalyst. At least a portion of the particulate catalyst contained in the catalyst recycle stream is introduced into said oxidation reaction zone.

The present invention is further directed to a continuous process for preparing an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product by oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in a reactor system. The process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and an oxidizing agent into a first oxidation reaction zone. The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized in the first oxidation reaction zone to form the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. An intermediate reaction mixture effluent comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously withdrawn from the first oxidation reaction zone. An intermediate aqueous feed stream comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate obtained in the intermediate reaction mixture effluent is continuously introduced into a second oxidation reaction zone along with an oxidizing agent wherein N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to form additional N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. A reaction mixture effluent comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is continuously withdrawn from the second oxidation reaction zone.

The present invention is also directed to processes for concentrating and recovering the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. In one embodiment, a process for removing water from an aqueous starting solution comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and crystallizing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product therefrom is provided. The process comprises introducing an aqueous evaporation feed mixture comprising the aqueous starting solution into an evaporation zone. Water is evaporated from the feed mixture in the evaporation zone in the presence of solid particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing a vapor phase comprising water vapor, precipitating N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the aqueous liquid phase, and producing an evaporation product comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids and a mother liquor that is substantially saturated or supersaturated in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. A ratio of particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor is maintained in the evaporation zone which exceeds the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids incrementally produced by the effects of evaporation to mother liquor incrementally produced thereby.

In a further embodiment, the process comprises introducing an evaporation feed mixture comprising the aqueous starting solution into a vapor/liquid separation zone wherein the pressure is below the vapor pressure of the mixture. This allows water to flash from the evaporation feed mixture, producing a vapor phase comprising water vapor and increasing the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the remaining liquid phase to a concentration in excess of the solubility of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. As a result, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product precipitates from the liquid phase to produce a first slurry stream comprising particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in a saturated or supersaturated mother liquor. The vapor phase is separated from the first slurry stream and the first slurry stream is introduced into a decantation zone in which a supernatant liquid comprising a fraction of the mother liquor is separated from a second slurry stream comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and mother liquor. The decantation zone has an inlet for the first slurry, a decantation liquid exit for the supernatant liquid spaced above the inlet, and an exit for the second slurry vertically spaced above the inlet but below the supernatant liquid exit. The relative rates at which the first slurry is introduced into the decantation zone, the second slurry is drawn off through the second slurry exit and the supernatant liquid is drawn off through the decantation liquid exit are maintained such that the upward flow velocity in a lower region of the decantation zone below the second slurry exit is sufficient to maintain precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in suspension (i.e., entrained) in the liquid phase while the upward flow velocity in an upper region of the decantation zone above the second slurry exit is below the sedimentation velocity of at least 80% by weight of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product particles in the lower region.

In a still further embodiment, the process comprises introducing an aqueous evaporation feed mixture comprising the aqueous starting solution into an evaporation zone. Water is evaporated from the feed mixture in the evaporation zone in the presence of solid particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing a vapor phase comprising water vapor, precipitating N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the aqueous liquid phase, and producing an evaporation product comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids and a mother liquor that is substantially saturated or supersaturated in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The evaporation product is divided to provide an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids fraction that is relatively depleted in mother liquor and a mother liquor fraction that is relatively depleted in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids. A ratio of particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor is maintained in the evaporation zone that exceeds the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids incrementally produced by the effects of evaporation to mother liquor incrementally produced thereby.

The present invention is also directed to integrated processes for the preparation of an oxidation reaction mixture effluent comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and thereafter concentrating and recovering the product. In one embodiment, the process comprises introducing an aqueous feed mixture comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a liquid reaction medium and catalytically oxidizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous liquid reaction medium thereby producing an oxidation reaction mixture comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. A primary crystallization feed mixture comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product produced in the reaction mixture is cooled, thereby precipitating N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and producing a primary mother liquor comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. After separating precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the primary mother liquor, primary mother liquor is recycled and introduced into the liquid reaction medium wherein N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the process comprises introducing an aqueous feed mixture comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a catalytic reactor system comprising one or more catalytic reaction zones. The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is catalytically oxidized to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the catalytic reactor system to produce a product mixture which is then divided into a primary fraction and a secondary fraction. N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the primary fraction is crystallized to produce a solid N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product fraction and a primary mother liquor. Primary mother liquor is recycled for use as a source of water in the preparation of the feed mixture introduced into the catalytic reactor system.

The present invention is further directed to a continuous processes for the catalytic oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to produce an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. In one embodiment, the process comprises introducing a liquid phase feed stream comprising an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a primary oxidation reaction zone, the primary oxidation reaction zone comprising a primary fixed bed containing an oxidation catalyst. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the primary oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing a primary reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. The primary reaction mixture is withdrawn from the primary oxidation reaction zone. The difference in unit weight sensible heat content between the reaction mixture and the aqueous feed stream is maintained less than the exothermic reaction heat generated in the reaction zone per unit weight of the aqueous feed stream.

In another embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into the first of a series of oxidation reaction zones, each of the series of oxidation reaction zones comprising an oxidation catalyst. The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized in the first oxidation reaction zones to produce an intermediate oxidation reaction product. The intermediate oxidation reaction product is introduced into a second oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing a noble metal on carbon catalyst, wherein by-product formaldehyde and/or formic acid is oxidized.

In a further embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing a first component feed stream comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into the first of a series of continuous reaction zones, each of the series of reaction zones comprising an oxidation catalyst. An oxidant is introduced into the first of the series of reaction zones wherein the substrate is catalytically oxidized to produce an intermediate reaction mixture stream containing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The intermediate reaction mixture exiting the first reaction zone is transferred to the second of the series of reaction zones wherein the substrate is catalytically oxidized. An intermediate reaction mixture is withdrawn from each of the reaction zones and introduced into each succeeding reaction zone. An additional component feed stream is introduced into each of one or more of the reaction zones succeeding the first reaction zone in the series, each the additional feed stream comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. An oxidant is introduced into one or more of the reaction zones succeeding the first reaction zone in the series. A final reaction product is withdrawn from the last in the series of reaction zones.

In a further embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing an oxidation catalyst. An O₂-containing gas is introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing an oxidation reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The ratio of the mass flow rate of the liquid phase to the mass flow rate of gas phase in the fixed bed is between about 20 and about 800.

In a further embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing an oxidation catalyst. An O₂-containing gas is introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing an oxidation reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The volumetric ratio of the liquid phase holdup in the fixed bed to the total bed volume is between about 0.1 and about 0.5.

In another embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing an oxidation catalyst. An O₂-containing gas is introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing an oxidation reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The partial pressure of oxygen at the liquid exit of the fixed bed is not greater than about 100 psia.

In a further embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing an oxidation catalyst. An O₂-containing gas is introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing an oxidation reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The partial pressure of oxygen is not greater than about 50 psia at any location in the fixed bed at which the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the liquid phase is lower than about 0.1 ppm.

In a further embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing an oxidation catalyst. The catalyst surface area to liquid holdup in the fixed bed is between about 100 and about 6000 m²/cm³. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing an oxidation reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

In a further embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing an oxidation catalyst. An O₂-containing gas is introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing an oxidation reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The integrated average partial pressure of oxygen along the liquid flow path in the fixed bed is at least about 50 psia and the integrated average temperature of the liquid phase in the fixed bed being between about 80° C. and about 130° C.

In a still further embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing oxidation catalyst bodies and other means for promoting gas/liquid mass transfer. An O₂-containing gas is introduced into the oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing an oxidation reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

In yet a further embodiment, the continuous process comprises introducing a liquid phase feed stream comprising an aqueous feed mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a primary oxidation reaction zone comprising a fixed bed containing an oxidation catalyst. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the primary oxidation reaction zone wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing a liquid phase exit stream comprising a primary reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. The liquid phase exit stream is withdrawn from the primary oxidation reaction zone. The rate of introduction of the liquid phase feed stream and withdrawal of the liquid phase exit stream is such that the liquid phase hourly space velocity in the fixed bed based on total bed volume is between about 0.5 hr⁻¹ and about 20 hr⁻¹.

Other features of this invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a cross-section of a honeycomb catalyst support.

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous oxidation reactor system for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reactor system comprises a back-mixed oxidation reaction zone utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry recycled in a loop independent from a heat transfer recirculation loop.

FIG. 2A is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous oxidation reactor system for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reactor system comprises a back-mixed oxidation reaction zone utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry recycled in a loop independent from a heat transfer recirculation loop and including a flash tank and catalyst recycle tank.

FIG. 2B is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous oxidation reactor system for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reactor system comprises a back-mixed oxidation reaction zone utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry recycled through a heat transfer recirculation loop.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous oxidation reactor system for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reactor system comprises two back-mixed oxidation reaction zones staged in series utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry which flows from the first reaction zone to the second reaction zone and is recycled to the first reaction zone.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous oxidation reactor system for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reactor system comprises two back-mixed oxidation reaction zones staged in series utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry which flows from the first reaction zone to the second reaction zone and is recycled to both reaction zones.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous oxidation reactor system for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reactor system comprises two back-mixed oxidation reaction zones staged in series utilizing two independent heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry masses such that catalyst from the first reaction zone is recycled to the first reaction zone and catalyst from the second reaction zone is recycled to the second reaction zone.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous oxidation reactor system for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reactor system comprises two back-mixed oxidation reaction zones staged in series utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry which is recycled from the first reaction zone to the first reaction zone and from the second reaction zone to both reaction zones.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an ejector nozzle loop reactor which may be used in the continuous oxidation reactor system of the present invention for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a fixed bed reactor which may be used in the continuous oxidation reactor system of the present invention for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a circulating fluidized bed reactor which may be used in the continuous oxidation reactor system of the present invention for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

FIG. 10 is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous distributed reactor system for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The reactor system comprises a plurality of reactors in which reacting mixture progresses in series from each reactor to the succeeding reactor in the series.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow sheet of an integrated process for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in a reactor system to form an oxidation reaction mixture comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and for recovering the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the oxidation reaction mixture using a non-adiabatic heat-driven evaporative crystallizer.

FIG. 12 is a schematic flow sheet of an integrated process for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in a reactor system to form an oxidation reaction mixture comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and for recovering the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the oxidation reaction mixture using an adiabatic crystallizer.

FIG. 12A is a schematic flow sheet of an adiabatic crystallizer system used to recover an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from an oxidation reaction mixture.

FIG. 13 is a schematic flow sheet of an integrated process for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in a reactor system to form an oxidation reaction mixture comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and for recovering the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the oxidation reaction mixture using a combination of an adiabatic crystallizer and a non-adiabatic heat-driven evaporative crystallizer operated in series.

FIG. 14 is a schematic flow sheet of an integrated process for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in a reactor system to form an oxidation reaction mixture comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and for recovering the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the oxidation reaction mixture using a combination of an adiabatic crystallizer and a non-adiabatic heat-driven evaporative crystallizer operated in semi-parallel.

FIG. 14A is a schematic flow sheet of an integrated process for oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and for recovering the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product using a combination of an adiabatic crystallizer and a non-adiabatic heat-driven evaporative crystallizer operated in semi-parallel. The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized in a primary reactor system to form an oxidation reaction mixture comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. A primary fraction of the oxidation reaction mixture from the primary reactor system is introduced into the adiabatic crystallizer, while unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in a secondary oxidation reactor feed fraction of the oxidation reaction mixture is oxidized in a secondary reactor system to form additional N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product before being passed to the non-adiabatic crystallizer.

FIG. 15 shows the effect on the formic acid by-product concentration profile over 20 batch reaction runs caused by a one-time introduction of bismuth oxide directly into an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction mixture. Here, the catalyst concentration in the reaction mixture was 0.5% by weight, and the catalyst contained 5% by weight platinum and 0.5% by weight iron.

FIG. 16 shows the effect on the formic acid by-product concentration profile over 30 batch reaction runs caused by a one-time introduction of bismuth oxide directly into an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction mixture. Here, the catalyst concentration in the reaction mixture was 0.75% by weight, and the catalyst contained 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin.

FIG. 17 shows the effect on the formaldehyde by-product concentration profile over 30 batch reaction runs caused by a one-time introduction of bismuth oxide directly into an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction mixture. Here, the catalyst concentration in the reaction mixture was 0.75% by weight, and the catalyst contained 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin.

FIG. 18 shows the effect on the N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (NMG) by-product concentration profile over 30 batch reaction runs caused by a one-time introduction of bismuth oxide directly into an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction mixture. Here, the catalyst concentration in the reaction mixture was 0.75% by weight, and the catalyst contained 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin.

FIG. 19 shows the effect on formic acid, formaldehyde, and N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (NMG) production during an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction caused by mixing bismuth oxide with an oxidation catalyst that had been used in 133 previous batch N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction runs. Here, the catalyst comprised 5% by weight platinum and 0.5% by weight iron on a carbon support.

FIG. 20 shows the effect on formic acid, formaldehyde, and N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (NMG) production during an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction caused by mixing bismuth oxide with an oxidation catalyst that had been used in 30 previous batch N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction runs. Here, the catalyst comprised 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin on a carbon support.

FIG. 21 shows the effect on the formic acid by-product concentration profile over 107 batch reaction runs caused by a one-time mixing of bismuth oxide with a catalyst containing 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin.

FIG. 22 shows the effect on the formaldehyde by-product concentration profile over 107 batch reaction runs caused by a one-time mixing of bismuth oxide with a catalyst containing 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin.

FIG. 23 shows the effect on the N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (NMG) by-product concentration profile over 107 reaction runs caused by a one-time mixing of bismuth oxide with a catalyst containing 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin.

FIG. 24 shows profiles of formaldehyde and formic acid in the product liquid of Example 21.

FIG. 25 shows profiles of glyphosate and N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid in the product liquid of Example 22.

FIG. 26 shows profiles of glyphosate and N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid in the product liquid of Example 23.

FIG. 27 is a block flow diagram for the continuous reactor system used in Example 24.

FIG. 28 is a block flow diagram for the continuous reactor system used in Example 25.

FIG. 29 is a block flow diagram for the continuous reactor system used in Example 28.

FIG. 30 is a block flow diagram for the continuous reactor system used in Example 35.

FIG. 31 is a block flow diagram for the continuous reactor system used in Example 36.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In general, the processes of this invention comprise (1) oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in one or more oxidation reaction zones to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, and/or (2) concentrating and/or purifying the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. These steps, along with several other features of the more preferred embodiments, are outlined below.

The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized by introducing the substrate and an oxidizing agent (i.e., oxygen source) into a reactor system comprising one or more oxidation reaction zones containing an oxidation catalyst. The oxidation reaction proceeds generally in accordance withe the following equation:

wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently hydrogen, an agronomically acceptable cation, hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl.

A hydrocarbyl is any group consisting exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. The hydrocarbyl may be branched or unbranched, may be saturated or unsaturated, and may comprise one or more rings. Suitable hydrocarbyl groups include alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and aryl groups. They also include alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and aryl groups substituted with other aliphatic or cyclic hydrocarbyl groups, such as alkaryl, alkenaryl, and alkynaryl.

A substituted hydrocarbyl is any hydrocarbyl wherein at least one hydrogen atom has been substituted with (a) an atom other than hydrogen, or (b) a group of atoms containing at least one atom other than hydrogen. For example, the hydrogen atom may be substituted with a halogen atom, such as a chlorine or fluorine atom. The hydrogen atom alternatively may be substituted with an oxygen atom or a group containing an oxygen atom to form, for example, a hydroxy group, an ether, an ester, an anhydride, an aldehyde, a ketone, or a carboxylic acid. The hydrogen atom also may be replaced with a group containing a nitrogen atom to form, for example, an amide or a nitro group. In addition, the hydrogen atom may be substituted with a group containing a sulfur atom to form, for example, —SO₃H.

An agronomically acceptable cation is a cation that allows agriculturally and economically useful herbicidal activity of an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine anion. Such a cation may be, for example, an alkali metal cation (e.g., a sodium or potassium ion), an ammonium ion, an isopropyl ammonium ion, a tetra-alkylammonium ion, a trialkyl sulfonium ion, a protonated primary amine, a protonated secondary amine, or a protonated tertiary amine.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently hydrogen or an agronomically acceptable cation, with hydrogen often being most preferred.

Various oxidizing agents may be used in accordance with this invention. These include, for example, peroxides (e.g., H₂O₂, benzoyl peroxide), hydroperoxides, peroxy acids, O₂-containing gases, and liquids comprising dissolved oxygen. Typically, O₂-containing gases are especially preferred. As used herein, an O₂-containing gas is any gaseous mixture comprising O₂ and optionally one or more diluents which are non-reactive with the oxygen or with the substrate or product under the reaction conditions. Examples of such gases are air; pure O₂; or O₂ diluted with He, Ar, N₂, and/or other non-oxidizing gases. The oxygen source is most preferably an O₂-containing gas containing at least about 95 mole % O₂, more preferably about at least about 98 mole % O₂, with the remainder being one or more non-oxidizing gases (particularly N₂ and/or Ar).

Preferred Oxidation Catalysts

A wide variety of oxidation catalysts may be used in accordance with this invention. These include both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

Various water-soluble tungsten salts, for example, can be used to catalyze the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrates with H₂O₂. N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid also can be oxidized to a N-oxide intermediate with H₂O₂ in the presence of an acid (e.g., H₂SO₄) and heat. This N-oxide intermediate, in turn, can be decomposed to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine in the presence of heat and various water-soluble ferrous, cuprous, tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium salt catalysts. A general discussion related to the use of such homogeneous catalysts for the conversion of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine can be found, for example, in Franz, et al., Glyphosate: A Unique Global Herbicide (ACS Monograph 189, 1997) at pp. 240-41.

It is typically more preferred to use a heterogeneous catalyst. This preference stems, at least in part, from the ease with which a heterogeneous catalyst can normally be separated from the reaction mixture following the oxidation. The literature is replete with suitable heterogeneous catalysts.

One of the first heterogeneous catalysts used for catalyzing the oxidative cleavage of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid is disclosed by Franz in U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,402. Franz discloses that N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine may be prepared by the liquid phase oxidative cleavage of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid with O₂ in the presence of a catalyst comprising a noble metal deposited on the surface of an activated carbon support.

Even though Franz's process generally produces an acceptable yield and purity of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, it also suffers from a number of problems:

-   -   1. The costly noble metal in Franz's catalyst tends to be lost         into the reaction solution (i.e., leaching). This noble metal         leaching is the result of at least two factors: (a) under the         oxidation conditions of the reaction, some of the noble metal is         oxidized into a more soluble form; and (b) both the         N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and the         N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product act as ligands that         solubilize the noble metal.     -   2. The N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product often oxidizes to form         aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), particularly as the         concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid         substrate decreases. This obviously reduces yield of the desired         N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,398, Hershman discloses that activated carbon alone, without the presence of a noble metal, may be used to effect the oxidative cleavage of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,937, Chou further discloses that the activity of the carbon catalyst disclosed by Hershman may be increased by removing the oxides from the surface of the carbon catalyst before using it in the oxidation reaction. See also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,772 (providing a separate discussion by Chou regarding increasing the activity of the carbon catalyst by removing oxides from the surface of the carbon catalyst). Although these processes obviously do not suffer from noble metal leaching, they do tend to produce greater concentrations of formaldehyde and formic acid by-product when used to effect the oxidative cleavage of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid.

Optimally, the formaldehyde and formic acid are simultaneously oxidized to carbon dioxide and water as the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, thus giving the following reaction:

Much attention has focused on catalysts comprising a noble metal on a carbon support for at least two reasons. With such catalysts, the carbon component primarily effects the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine and formaldehyde, while the noble metal component primarily effects the oxidation of formaldehyde and formic acid to form carbon dioxide and water. The noble metal component also tends to reduce the rate of deactivation of the carbon. More specifically, when activated carbon is used alone, it tends to deactivate by as much as 10% per cycle or more. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the deactivation of the activated carbon alone arises because the surface of the carbon support oxidizes under the reaction conditions. See Chou, U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,937. See also, Chou, U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,772 (providing a separate discussion related to deactivation of activated carbon by oxidation of the surface of the carbon). In the presence of the noble metal, however, the rate of deactivation of the activated carbon is diminished. It is believed that the noble metal reacts with the oxidant at a faster rate than the activated carbon surface, and, thus, preferentially removes the oxidant from solution before extensive oxidation of the carbon surface can occur. Further, unlike many oxide species which form at activated carbon surfaces and require high temperature treatments to be reduced, oxide species which form at the surface of a noble metal typically are easily reduced by the reducing agents present in or added to the reaction mixture (e.g., the amine fragment cleaved, formaldehyde, formic acid, H₂, etc.), thus restoring the noble metal surface to a reduced state. In this manner, the catalyst advantageously exhibits significantly longer life as long as the noble metal is not lost by leaching or sintered (i.e., in the form of undesirably thick layers or clumps) by processes such as dissolution and re-deposition or noble metal agglomeration.

Ramon et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,228) disclose an example of using a noble metal deposited on the surface of a carbon support. To reduce the problem of leaching (which Ramon et al. report to be as great as 30% noble metal loss per cycle), Ramon et al. disclose flushing the reaction mixture with N₂ under pressure after the oxidation reaction is completed to cause re-deposition of the noble metal onto the surface of the carbon support. According to Ramon et al., N₂ flushing reduces the noble metal loss to less than 1%.

Felthouse (U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,650) discloses using 2 catalysts: (i) an activated carbon to effect the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, and (ii) a co-catalyst to concurrently effect the oxidation of formaldehyde to carbon dioxide and water. The co-catalyst is an aluminosilicate support having a noble metal located within its pores. The pores are sized to exclude N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine and thereby prevent the noble metal of the co-catalyst from being poisoned by N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. According to Felthouse, use of these 2 catalysts together allows for the simultaneous oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine and of formaldehyde to carbon dioxide and water.

Ebner et al., International Publication No. WO 99/43430, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by references, disclose oxidizing N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrates using a deeply reduced catalyst comprising a noble metal on a carbon support. Such a catalyst tends to exhibit improved resistance to noble metal leaching and increased destruction of undesirable by-products (e.g., formaldehyde). The advantages of such catalysts make them particularly preferred. Thus, much of the following discussion will focus on such catalysts. Nevertheless, it should be recognized that the features of this invention may be generally applied using the wide variety of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts described above.

Oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g., carboxylic acids, ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, lactones, ketones, esters, amine oxides, and amides) at the surface of the carbon support tend to increase noble metal leaching and potentially increase noble metal sintering during liquid phase oxidation reactions, and, thus, reduce the ability of the catalyst to oxidize oxidizable substrates, particularly formaldehyde and formic acid during the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction. As used herein, an oxygen-containing functional group is at the surface of the carbon support if it is bound to an atom of the carbon support and is able to chemically or physically interact with compositions within the reaction mixture or with the metal atoms deposited on the carbon support.

Many of the oxygen-containing functional groups that reduce noble metal resistance to leaching and sintering and reduce the activity of the catalyst desorb from the carbon support as carbon monoxide when the catalyst is heated at a high temperature (e.g., 900° C.) in an inert atmosphere (e.g., helium or argon). Thus, measuring the amount of CO desorption from a fresh catalyst (i.e., a catalyst that has not previously been used in a liquid phase oxidation reaction) under high temperatures is one method that may be used to analyze the surface of the catalyst to predict noble metal retention and maintenance of catalyst activity. One way to measure CO desorption is by using thermogravimetric analysis with in-line mass spectroscopy (TGA-MS). Preferably, no greater than about 1.2 mmole of carbon monoxide per gram of catalyst desorb from the catalyst when a dry, fresh sample of the catalyst in a helium atmosphere is subjected to a temperature which is increased from 20 to 900° C. at 10° C. per minute, and then held constant at 900° C. for 30 minutes. More preferably, no greater than about 0.7 mmole of carbon monoxide per gram of fresh catalyst desorb under those conditions, even more preferably no greater than about 0.5 mmole of carbon monoxide per gram of fresh catalyst desorb, and most preferably no greater than about 0.3 mmole of carbon monoxide per gram of fresh catalyst desorb. A catalyst is considered dry when the catalyst has a moisture content of less than 1% by weight. Typically, a catalyst may be dried by placing it into a N₂ purged vacuum of 25 inches of Hg and a temperature of 120° C. for 16 hours.

Measuring the number of oxygen atoms at the surface of a fresh catalyst support is another method which may be used to analyze the catalyst to predict noble metal retention and maintenance of catalytic activity. Using, for example, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a surface layer of the support which is about 50 Å in thickness is analyzed. Presently available equipment used for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy typically is accurate to within ±20%. Typically, a ratio of carbon atoms to oxygen atoms at the surface (as measured by presently available equipment for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) of at least about 20:1 (carbon atoms:oxygen atoms) is suitable. Preferably, however, the ratio is at least about 30:1, more preferably at least about 40:1, even more preferably at least about 50:1, and most preferably at least about 60:1. In addition, the ratio of oxygen atoms to metal atoms at the surface (again, as measured by presently available equipment for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) preferably is less than about 8:1 (oxygen atoms:metal atoms). More preferably, the ratio is less than 7:1, even more preferably less than about 6:1, and most preferably less than about 5:1.

In general, the carbon supports used in the present invention are well known in the art. Activated, non-graphitized carbon supports are preferred. These supports are characterized by high adsorptive capacity for gases, vapors, and colloidal solids and relatively high specific surface areas. The support suitably may be a carbon, char, or charcoal produced by means known in the art, for example, by destructive distillation of wood, peat, lignite, coal, nut shells, bones, vegetable, or other natural or synthetic carbonaceous matter, but preferably is activated to develop adsorptive power. Activation usually is achieved by heating to high temperatures (800-900° C.) with steam or with carbon dioxide which brings about a porous particle structure and increased specific surface area. In some cases, hygroscopic substances, such as zinc chloride and/or phosphoric acid or sodium sulfate, are added before the destructive distillation or activation, to increase adsorptive capacity. Preferably, the carbon content of the carbon support ranges from about 10% for bone charcoal to about 98% for some wood chars and nearly 100% for activated carbons derived from organic polymers. The non-carbonaceous matter in commercially available activated carbon materials normally will vary depending on such factors as precursor origin, processing, and activation method. Many commercially available carbon supports contain small amounts of metals. Carbon supports having the fewest oxygen-containing functional groups at their surfaces are most preferred.

The form of the support used in fixed bed reactors may vary considerably. For example, the carbon support may be in the form of a monolithic support. Suitable monolithic supports may have a wide variety of shapes. A monolithic support may, for example, be in the form of a reactor impeller. Even more preferably, such a support may also be, for example, in the form of a screen or honeycomb having parallel channels through which the feed mixture is passed. FIG. 1 shows an example of a cross-section of a honeycomb support. Although the cross-sections of the channels in the honeycomb support of FIG. 1 are hexagonal in shape, a honeycomb support as defined herein may alternatively (or additionally) comprise channels having other cross-section shapes (e.g., circular, oval, square, triangular rectangular, and the like). The channels of the honeycomb support are preferably straight, and/or have a cross-section large enough so that they will not be clogged by a slurry containing solid N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. Alternatively, the flow channels in a monolithic support may be irregular and without a uniform flow direction (e.g., a random network of interconnecting flow channels).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support is in the form of particulates. Because particulate supports are especially preferred, most of the following discussion focuses on embodiments which use a particulate support. It should be recognized, however, that this invention is not limited to the use of particulate supports.

Suitable particulate supports may have a wide variety of shapes. For example, such supports may be in the form of pellets, granules and powders. Pellet supports typically have a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. Preferably, the support is in the form of a powder. These particulate supports may be used in a reactor system as free particles, or, alternatively, may be bound to a structure in the reactor system, such as a screen or an impeller.

Typically, a support which is in particulate form comprises a broad size distribution of particles. For powders, preferably at least about 95% of the particles are from about 2 to about 300 μm in their largest dimension, more preferably at least about 98% of the particles are from about 2 to about 200 μm in their largest dimension, and most preferably about 99% of the particles are from about 2 to about 150 μm in their largest dimension with about 95% of the particles being from about 3 to about 100 μm in their largest dimension. Particles greater than about 200 μm in their largest dimension tend to fracture into super-fine particles (i.e., less than 2 μm in their largest dimension), which are difficult to recover.

The specific surface area of the carbon support, measured by the BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) method using N₂, is preferably from about 10 to about 3,000 m²/g (surface area of carbon support per gram of carbon support), more preferably from about 500 to about 2,100 m²/g, and still more preferably from about 750 to about 2,100 m²/g. In some embodiments, the most preferred specific area is from about 750 to about 1,750 m²/g.

The pore volume of the support may vary widely. Using the measurement method described in Example 1, the pore volume preferably is from about 0.1 to about 2.5 ml/g (pore volume per gram of catalyst), more preferably from about 0.2 to about 2.0 ml/g, and most preferably from about 0.4 to about 1.7 ml/g. Catalysts comprising supports with pore volumes greater than about 2.5 ml/g tend to fracture easily. On the other hand, catalysts comprising supports having pore volumes less than 0.1 ml/g tend to have small surface areas and therefore low activity.

Carbon supports for use in the present invention are commercially available from a number of sources. The following is a listing of some of the activated carbons which may be used with this invention: Darco G-60 Spec and Darco X (ICI-America, Wilmington, Del.); Norit SG Extra, Norit EN4, Norit EXW, Norit A, Norit Ultra-C, Norit ACX, and Norit 4×14 mesh (Amer. Norit Co., Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.); Gl-9615, VG-8408, VG-8590, NB-9377, XZ, NV, and JV (Bamebey-Cheney, Columbus, Ohio); BL Pulv., PWA Pulv., Calgon C 450, and PCB Fines (Pittsburgh Activated Carbon, Div. of Calgon Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa.); P-100 (No. Amer. Carbon, Inc., Columbus, Ohio); Nuchar Conn., Nuchar C-1000 N, Nuchar C-190 A, Nuchar C-115 A, and Nuchar SA-30 (Westvaco Corp., Carbon Department, Covington, Va.); Code 1551 (Baker and Adamson, Division of Allied Amer. Norit Co., Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.); Grade 235, Grade 337, Grade 517, and Grade 256 (Witco Chemical Corp., Activated Carbon Div., New York, N.Y.); and Columbia SXAC (Union Carbide New York, N.Y.).

The carbon support preferably has one or more noble metal(s) at its surface. Preferably, the noble metal(s) is selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), silver (Ag), osmium (Os), and gold (Au). In general, platinum and palladium are more preferred, and platinum is most preferred. Because platinum is presently the most preferred noble metal, the following discussion will be directed primarily to embodiments using platinum. It should be understood, however, that the same discussion is generally applicable to the other noble metals and combinations thereof. It also should be understood that the term noble metal as used herein means the noble metal in its elemental state as well as the noble metal in any of its various oxidation states.

The concentration of the noble metal deposited at the surface of the carbon support may vary within wide limits. Preferably, it is in the range of from about 0.5 to about 20 wt. % ([mass of noble metal÷total mass of catalyst]×100%), more preferably from about 2.5 to about 10 wt. %, and most preferably from about 3 to about 7.5 wt. %. If concentrations less than 0.5 wt. % are used during the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction, there tends to be less formaldehyde oxidized, and therefore a greater amount of N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine produced, thereby reducing the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine yield. On the other hand, at concentrations greater than about 20 wt. %, layers and clumps of noble metal tend to form. Thus, there are fewer surface noble metal atoms per total amount of noble metal used. This tends to reduce the activity of the catalyst and is an uneconomical use of the costly noble metal.

The dispersion of the noble metal at the surface of the carbon support preferably is such that the concentration of surface noble metal atoms is from about 10 to about 400 μmole/g (μmole of surface noble metal atoms per gram of catalyst), more preferably, from about 10 to about 150 μmole/g, and most preferably from about 15 to about 100 μmole/g. This may be determined, for example, by measuring chemisorption of H₂ or CO using a Micromeritics ASAP 2010C (Micromeritics, Norcross, Ga.) or an Altamira AMI100 (Zeton Altamira, Pittsburgh, Pa.).

Preferably, the noble metal is at the surface of the carbon support in the form of metal particles. At least about 90% (number density) of the noble metal particles at the surface of the carbon support are preferably from about 0.5 to about 35 nm in their largest dimension, more preferably from about 1 to about 20 nm in their largest dimension, and most preferably from about 1.5 to about 10 nm in their largest dimension. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least about 80% of the noble metal particles at the surface of the carbon support are from about 1 to about 15 nm in their largest dimension, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 10 nm in their largest dimension, and most preferably from about 1.5 to about 7 nm in their largest dimension. If the noble metal particles are too small, there tends to be an increased amount of leaching when the catalyst is used in an environment that tends to solubilize noble metals, as is the case when oxidizing N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. On the other hand, as the particle size increases, there tends to be fewer noble metal surface atoms per total amount of noble metal used. As discussed above, this tends to reduce the activity of the catalyst and is also an uneconomical use of the costly noble metal.

In addition to the noble metal, at least one promoter may be at the surface of the carbon support. As defined herein, a promoter is a metal that tends to increase catalyst selectivity, activity, and/or stability. A promoter additionally may reduce noble metal leaching. Although the promoter usually is deposited onto the surface of the carbon support in a promoter deposition step, the carbon support itself may also (or alternatively) naturally contain a promoter. A promoter which is deposited or exists naturally on the catalyst surface before the carbon support surface is finally reduced (described below) is referred to herein as a catalyst-surface promoter.

The catalyst-surface promoter may, for example, be an additional noble metal(s) at the surface of the carbon support. For example, depending on the application, ruthenium and palladium may act as catalyst-surface promoters on a catalyst comprising platinum deposited at a carbon support surface. The catalyst-surface promoter(s) alternatively may be, for example, a metal selected from the group consisting of tin (Sn), cadmium (Cd), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), rhenium (Re), zinc (Zn), cerium (Ce), zirconium (Zr), tellurium (Te), and germanium (Ge). Preferably, the catalyst-surface promoter is selected from the group consisting of bismuth, iron, tin, tellurium and titanium. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the catalyst-surface promoter is tin. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the catalyst-surface promoter is iron. In an additional preferred embodiment, the catalyst-surface promoter is titanium. In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the catalyst comprises both iron and tin at its surface. Use of iron, tin, or both generally (I) reduces noble metal leaching for a catalyst used over several cycles, and (2) tends to increase and/or maintain the activity of the catalyst when the catalyst is used to effect the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. Catalysts comprising iron generally are most preferred because they tend to have the greatest activity and stability with respect to formaldehyde and formic acid oxidation.

In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst-surface promoter is more easily oxidized than the noble metal (in instances where the catalyst-surface promoter is a noble metal as well, the catalyst-surface promoter noble metal preferably is more easily oxidized than the non-promoter noble metal). A promoter is more easily oxidized if it has a lower first ionization potential than the noble metal. First ionization potentials for the elements are widely known in the art and may be found, for example, in the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla.).

The amount of catalyst-surface promoter at the surface of the carbon support (whether associated with the carbon surface itself, metal, or a combination thereof) may vary within wide limits depending on, for example, the noble metal(s) and catalyst-surface promoter(s) used. Typically, the weight percentage of the catalyst-surface promoter is at least about 0.05% ([mass of catalyst-surface promoter−total mass of the catalyst]×100%). The weight percent of the catalyst-surface promoter preferably is from about 0.05 to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 10%, still more preferably from about 0.1 to about 2%, and most preferably from about 0.2 to about 1.5%. When the catalyst-surface promoter is tin, the weight percent most preferably is from about 0.5 to about 1.5%. Catalyst-surface promoter weight percentages less than 0.05% generally do not promote the activity of the catalyst over an extended period of time. On the other hand, weight percents greater than about 10% tend to decrease the activity of the catalyst.

The molar ratio of noble metal to catalyst-surface promoter (and, in instances where the catalyst-surface promoter is a noble metal as well, the molar ratio of the non-promoter noble metal to the catalyst-surface promoter noble metal) may also vary widely, depending on, for example, the noble metal(s) and catalyst-surface promoter(s) used. Preferably, the ratio is from about 1000:1 to about 0.01:1; more preferably from about 150:1 to about 0.05:1; still more preferably from about 50:1 to about 0.05:1; and most preferably from about 10:1 to about 0.05:1. For example, a catalyst comprising platinum and iron preferably has a molar ratio of platinum to iron of about 3:1.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of this invention, the noble metal (e.g., Pt) is alloyed with at least one catalyst-surface promoter (e.g., Sn, Fe, or both) to form alloyed metal particles (and, in instances where the catalyst-surface promoter is a noble metal as well, the non-promoter noble metal preferably is alloyed with the catalyst-surface promoter noble metal). A catalyst comprising a noble metal alloyed with at least one catalyst-surface promoter tends to have all the advantages discussed above with respect to catalysts comprising a catalyst-surface promoter in general. Catalysts comprising a noble metal alloyed with at least one catalyst-surface promoter also tend to exhibit greater resistance to catalyst-surface promoter leaching and further stability from cycle to cycle with respect to formaldehyde and formic acid oxidation (See, e.g., Example 17).

The term alloy encompasses any metal particle comprising a noble metal and at least one catalyst-surface promoter, irrespective of the precise manner in which the noble metal and catalyst-surface promoter atoms are disposed within the particle (although it is generally preferable to have a portion of the noble metal atoms at the surface of the alloyed metal particle). The alloy may be, for example, any of the following:

-   -   1. An intermetallic compound. An intermetallic compound is         compound comprising a noble metal and a promoter (e.g., Pt₃Sn).     -   2. A substitutional alloy. A substitutional alloy has a single,         continuous phase, irrespective of the concentrations of the         noble metal and promoter atoms. Typically, a substitutional         alloy contains noble metal and promoter atoms which are similar         in size (e.g., platinum and silver; or platinum and palladium).         Substitutional alloys are also referred to as monophasic alloys.     -   3. A multiphasic alloy. A multiphasic alloy is an alloy that         contains at least two discrete phases. Such an alloy may         contain, for example Pt₃Sn in one phase, and tin dissolved in         platinum in a separate phase.     -   4. A segregated alloy. A segregated alloy is a metal particle         wherein the particle stoichiometry varies with distance from the         surface of the metal particle.     -   5. An interstitial alloy. An interstitial alloy is a metal         particle wherein the noble metal and promoter atoms are combined         with non-metal atoms, such as boron, carbon, silicon, nitrogen,         phosphorus, etc.

Preferably, at least about 80% (number density) of the alloyed metal particles are from about 0.5 to about 35 nm in their largest dimension, more preferably from about 1 to about 20 nm in their largest dimension, still more preferably from about 1 to about 15 nm in their largest dimension, and most preferably from about 1.5 to about 7 nm in their largest dimension.

The alloyed metal particles need not have a uniform composition; the compositions may vary from particle to particle, or even within the particles themselves. In addition, the catalyst may further comprise particles consisting of the noble metal alone or the catalyst-surface promoter alone. Nevertheless, it is preferred that the composition of metal particles be substantially uniform from particle to particle and within each particle, and that the number of noble metal atoms in intimate contact with catalyst-surface promoter atoms be maximized. It is also preferred, although not essential, that the majority of noble metal atoms be alloyed with a catalyst-surface promoter, and more preferred that substantially all of the noble metal atoms be alloyed with a catalyst-surface promoter. It is further preferred, although not essential, that the alloyed metal particles be uniformly distributed at the surface of the carbon support.

Regardless of whether the catalyst-surface promoter is alloyed to the noble metal, it is presently believed that the catalyst-surface promoter tends to become oxidized if the catalyst is exposed to an oxidant over a period of time. For example, an elemental tin catalyst-surface promoter tends to oxidize to form Sn(II)O, and Sn(II)O tends to oxidize to form Sn(IV)O₂. This oxidation may occur, for example, if the catalyst is exposed to air for more than about 1 hour. Although such catalyst-surface promoter oxidation has not been observed to have a significant detrimental effect on noble metal leaching, noble metal sintering, catalyst activity, or catalyst stability, it does make analyzing the concentration of detrimental oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the carbon support more difficult. For example, as discussed above, the concentration of detrimental oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., oxygen-containing functional groups that reduce noble metal resistance to leaching and sintering, and reduce the activity of the catalyst) may be determined by measuring (using, for example, TGA-MS) the amount of CO that desorbs from the catalyst under high temperatures in an inert atmosphere. However, it is presently believed that when an oxidized catalyst-surface promoter is present at the surface, the oxygen atoms from the oxidized catalyst-surface promoter tend to react with carbon atoms of the support at high temperatures in an inert atmosphere to produce CO, thereby creating the illusion of more detrimental oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the support than actually exist. Such oxygen atoms of an oxidized catalyst-surface promoter also can interfere with obtaining a reliable prediction of noble metal leaching, noble metal sintering, and catalyst activity from the simple measurement (via, for example, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) of oxygen atoms at the catalyst surface.

Thus, when the catalyst comprises at least one catalyst-surface promoter which has been exposed to an oxidant and thereby has been oxidized (e.g., when the catalyst has been exposed to air for more than about 1 hour), it is preferred that the catalyst-surface promoter first be substantially reduced (thereby removing the oxygen atoms of the oxidized catalyst-surface promoter from the surface of the catalyst) before attempting to measure the amount of detrimental oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the carbon support. This reduction preferably is achieved by heating the catalyst to a temperature of 500° C. for 1 hour in an atmosphere consisting essentially of H₂. The measurement of detrimental oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface preferably is performed (a) after this reduction, and (b) before the surface is exposed to an oxidant following the reduction. Most preferably, the measurement is taken immediately after the reduction.

The preferred concentration of metal particles at the surface of the carbon support depends, for example, on the size of the metal particles, the specific surface area of the carbon support, and the concentration of noble metal on the catalyst. It is presently believed that, in general, the preferred concentration of metal particles is roughly from about 3 to about 1,500 particles/μm² (i.e., number of metal particles per μm² of surface of carbon support), particularly where: (a) at least about 80% (number density) of the metal particles are from about 1.5 to about 7 nm in their largest dimension, (b) the carbon support has a specific surface area of from about 750 to about 2100 m²/g (i.e., m² of surface of carbon support per gram of carbon support), and (c) the concentration of noble metal at the carbon support surface is from about 1 to about 10 wt. % ([mass of noble metal÷total mass of catalyst]×100%). In more preferred embodiments, narrower ranges of metal particle concentrations and noble metal concentrations are desired. In one such embodiment, the concentration of metal particles is from about 15 to about 800 particles/μm², and the concentration of noble metal at the carbon support surface is from about 2 to about 10 wt. %. In an even more preferred embodiment, the concentration of metal particles is from about 15 to about 600 particles/μm², and the concentration of noble metal at the carbon support surface is from about 2 to about 7.5 wt. %. In the most preferred embodiment, the concentration of the metal particles is from about 15 to about 400 particles/μm², and the concentration of noble metal at the carbon support surface is about 5 wt. %. The concentration of metal particles at the surface of the carbon support may be measured using methods known in the art.

The surface of the carbon support preferably is deoxygenated before the noble metal is deposited onto it. Preferably, the surface is deoxygenated using a high-temperature deoxygenation treatment. Such a treatment may be a single-step or a multi-step scheme which, in either case, results in an overall chemical reduction of oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the carbon support.

In a two-step high-temperature deoxygenation treatment, the carbon support preferably is first treated with a gaseous or liquid phase oxidizing agent to convert oxygen-containing functionalities in relatively lower oxidation states (e.g., ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols) into functionalities in relatively higher oxidation states (e.g., carboxylic acids), which are easier to cleave from the surface of the catalyst at high temperatures. Representative liquid phase oxidizing agents include nitric acid, H₂O₂, chromic acid, and hypochlorite, with concentrated nitric acid comprising from about 10 to about 80 grams of HNO₃ per 100 grams of aqueous solution being preferred. Representative gaseous oxidants include molecular oxygen, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and nitric acid vapors. Nitric acid vapors are the preferred oxidizing agent. With a liquid oxidant, temperatures of from about 60 to about 90° C. are appropriate, but with gaseous oxidants, it is often advantageous to use temperatures from about 50 to about 500° C. or even greater. The time during which the carbon is treated with the oxidant can vary widely from about 5 minutes to about 10 hours. Preferably, the reaction time is from about 30 minutes to about 6 hours. Experimental results indicate that carbon load, temperature, oxidant concentration, etc. in the first treatment step are not narrowly critical to achieving the desired oxidation of the carbon material and thus may be governed by convenience over a wide range. The highest possible carbon load is preferred for economic reasons.

In the second step, the oxidized carbon support is pyrolyzed (i.e., heated) at a temperature preferably in the range of from about 500 to about 1500° C., and more preferably from about 600 to about 1,200° C., in a nitrogen, argon, helium, or other non-oxidizing environment (i.e., an environment consisting essentially of no oxygen) to drive off the oxygen-containing functional groups from the carbon surface. At temperatures greater than 500° C., an environment may be used which comprises a small amount of ammonia (or any other chemical entity which will generate NH₃ during pyrolysis), steam, or carbon dioxide which aid in the pyrolysis. As the temperature of the carbon support is cooled to temperatures less than 500° C., however, the presence of oxygen-containing gases such as steam or carbon dioxide may lead to the re-formation of surface oxides and thus, is preferably avoided. Accordingly, the pyrolysis is preferably conducted in a non-oxidizing atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen, argon, or helium). In one embodiment, the non-oxidizing atmosphere comprises ammonia, which tends to produce a more active catalyst in a shorter time as compared to pyrolysis in the other atmospheres. The pyrolysis may be achieved, for example, using a rotary kiln, a fluidized-bed reactor, or a conventional furnace.

The carbon support generally is pyrolyzed for a period of from about 5 minutes to about 60 hours, preferably from about 10 minutes to about 6 hours. Shorter times are preferred because prolonged exposure of the carbon at elevated temperatures tends to reduce the activity of the catalyst. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is presently believed that prolonged heating at pyrolytic temperatures favors the formation of graphite, which is a less preferred form of a carbon support because it normally has less surface area. As discussed above, a more active catalyst typically may be produced in a shorter time by using an atmosphere which comprises ammonia.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, high-temperature deoxygenation is carried out in one step. This one-step treatment may consist of merely performing the pyrolysis step of the two-step high-temperature deoxygenation treatment discussed above. More preferably, however, the single-step treatment consists of pyrolyzing the carbon support as described above while simultaneously passing a gas stream comprising N₂, NH₃ (or any other chemical entity which will generate NH₃ during pyrolysis), and steam over the carbon. Although it is not a critical feature of this invention, the flow rate of the gas stream preferably is fast enough to achieve adequate contact between the fresh gas reactants and the carbon surface, yet slow enough to prevent excess carbon weight loss and material waste. A non-reactive gas may be used as a diluent to prevent severe weight loss of the carbon.

Methods used to deposit the noble metal onto the surface of the carbon support are generally known in the art, and include liquid phase methods such as reaction deposition techniques (e.g., deposition via reduction of noble metal compounds, and deposition via hydrolysis of noble metal compounds), ion exchange techniques, excess solution impregnation, and incipient wetness impregnation; vapor phase methods such as physical deposition and chemical deposition; precipitation; electrochemical deposition; and electroless deposition. See generally, Cameron, D. S., Cooper, S. J., Dodgson, I. L., Harrison, B., and Jenkins, J. W. “Carbons as Supports for Precious Metal Catalysts,” Catalysis Today, 7, 113-137 (1990). Catalysts comprising noble metals at the surface of a carbon support also are commercially available, e.g., Aldrich Catalog No. 20,593-1, 5% platinum on activated carbon (Aldrich Chemical Co., Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.); Aldrich Catalog No. 20,568-0, 5% palladium on activated carbon.

Preferably, the noble metal is deposited via a reactive deposition technique comprising contacting the carbon support with a solution comprising a salt of the noble metal, and then hydrolyzing the salt. An example of a suitable platinum salt which is relatively inexpensive is hexachloroplatinic acid (H₂PtCl₆). The use of this salt to deposit platinum onto a carbon support via hydrolytic deposition is illustrated in Example 3.

In one embodiment of this invention, the noble metal is deposited onto the surface of the carbon support using a solution comprising a salt of a noble metal in one of its more reduced oxidation states. For example, instead of using a salt of Pt(IV) (e.g., H₂PtCl₆), a salt of Pt(II) is used. In another embodiment, platinum in its elemental state (e.g., colloidal platinum) is used. Using these more reduced metal precursors leads to less oxidation of the carbon support and, therefore, less oxygen-containing functional groups being formed at the surface of the support while the noble metal is being deposited onto the surface. One example of a Pt(II) salt is K₂PtCl₄. Another potentially useful Pt(II) salt is diamminedinitrito platinum(II). Example 11 shows that using this salt to deposit the noble metal produces a catalyst which is more resistant to leaching than a catalyst prepared using H₂PtCl₆ as the metal precursor. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that this is due to the fact that diamminedinitrito platinum(II) generates ammonia in-situ during reduction which further promotes removal of the oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the carbon support. This benefit, however, should be weighed against a possible explosion danger associated with the use of diamminedinitrito platinum(II).

A catalyst-surface promoter(s) may be deposited onto the surface of the carbon support before, simultaneously with, or after deposition of the noble metal onto the surface. Methods used to deposit a promoter onto the surface of the carbon support are generally known in the art, and include the same methods used to deposit a noble metal discussed above. In one embodiment, a salt solution comprising a promoter is used to deposit the catalyst-surface promoter. A suitable salt that may be used to deposit bismuth is Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O, a suitable salt that may be used to deposit iron is FeCl₃.6H₂O, and a suitable salt that may be used to deposit tin is SnCl₂.2H₂O. It should be recognized that more than one catalyst-surface promoter may be deposited onto the surface of the carbon support. Examples 13, 14, 15, and 17 demonstrate depositing a promoter onto a carbon surface with a salt solution comprising a promoter. Example 18 demonstrates depositing more than one promoter (i.e., iron and tin) onto a carbon surface using salt solutions comprising the promoters.

As noted above, a catalyst comprising a noble metal alloyed with at least one catalyst-surface promoter is particularly preferred. There are a variety of possible preparative techniques known in the art which may be used to form a multi-metallic alloy at support surfaces. See, e.g., V. Ponec & G. C. Bond, Catalysis by Metals and Alloys, “Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis,” Vol. 95 (B. Delmon. & J. T. Yates, advisory eds., Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands).

In one of the more preferred embodiments, reactive deposition is used to form metal particles containing a noble metal alloyed with a catalyst-surface promoter. Reactive deposition may comprise, for example, reductive deposition wherein a surface of a carbon support is contacted with a solution comprising: (a) a reducing agent; and (b) (i) a compound comprising the noble metal and a compound comprising the promoter, or (ii) a compound comprising both the noble metal and the promoter. A wide range of reducing agents may be used, such as sodium borohydride, formaldehyde, formic acid, sodium formate, hydrazine hydrochloride, hydroxylamine, and hypophosphorous acid. Compounds comprising a noble metal and/or a promoter include, for example:

-   -   1. Halide compounds. These include, for example, H₂PtCl₆,         K₂PtCl₄, Pt₂Br₆ ²⁻, K₂PdCl₄, AuCl₄ ¹⁻, RuCl₃, RhCl₃.3H₂O,         K₂RuCl₆, FeCl₃.6H₂O, (SnCl₃)¹⁻, SnCl₄, ReCl₆, FeCl₂, and TiCl₄.     -   2. Oxide and oxy chloride compounds. These include, for example,         RuO₄ ²⁻ and M₂SnO₄.     -   3. Nitrate compounds. These include, for example, Fe(NO₃)₃.     -   4. Amine complexes. These include, for example, [Pt(NH₃)₄]Cl₂,         [Pd(NH₃)₄]Cl₂, Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂, Pt(NH₃)₄]PtCl₄, Pd(NH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂)Cl₂,         Pt(NH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂)₂Cl₂, and [Ru(NH₃)_(n)Cl]Cl₂.     -   5. Phosphine complexes. These include, for example,         Pt(P(CH₃)₃)₂Cl₂; IrClCO(P(C₆H₅)₃)₂; PtClH(PR₃)₂, wherein each R         is independently a hydrocarbyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl,         phenyl, etc     -   6. Organometallic complexes. These include, for example,         Pt₂(C₃H₆)₂Cl₄; Pd₂(C₂H₄)₂Cl₄; Pt(CH₃COO)₂, Pd(CH₃COO)₂;         K[Sn(HCOO)₃]; Fe(CO)₅; Fe₃(CO)₁₂; Fe₄(CO)₁₆; Sn₃(CH₃)₄; and         Ti(OR)₄, wherein each R is independently a hydrocarbyl, such as         methyl, ethyl, propyl, phenyl, etc.     -   7. Noble metal/promoter complexes. These include, for example,         Pt₃(SnCl₃)₂(C₈H₁₂)₃ and [Pt(SnCl₃)₅]³⁻.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, hydrolysis reactions are used to deposit a noble metal alloyed with a catalyst-surface promoter. In this instance, ligands containing the noble metal and promoter are formed, and then hydrolyzed to form well-mixed, metal oxide and metal hydroxide clusters at the surface of the carbon support. The ligands may be formed, for example, by contacting the surface of the support with a solution comprising (a) a compound comprising the noble metal and a compound comprising the promoter, or (b) a compound comprising both the noble metal and the promoter. Suitable compounds comprising a noble metal and/or a promoter are listed above with respect to reductive deposition. Hydrolysis of the ligands may be achieved, for example, by heating (e.g., at a temperature of at least about 60° C.) the mixture. Example 17 further demonstrates the use of hydrolysis reactions to deposit a noble metal (i.e., platinum) alloyed with a catalyst-surface promoter (i.e., iron).

In addition to the above-described reactive deposition techniques, there are many other techniques which may be used to form the alloy. These include, for example:

-   -   1. Forming the alloy by introducing metal compounds (which may         be simple or complex, and may be covalent or ionic) to the         surface of the support via impregnation, adsorption from a         solution, and/or ion exchange.     -   2. Forming the alloy by vacuum co-deposition of metal vapors         containing the noble metal and promoter onto the surface.     -   3. Forming the alloy by depositing one or metals onto a         pre-deposited metal belonging to Group 8, 9, or 10 of the         Periodic Table of the Elements (i.e., Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd,         Os, Ir, and Pt) via, for example, electrolytic or electroless         plating.     -   4. Forming the alloy by: (a) depositing metal complexes         containing metals in the zero valence state (e.g., carbonyl,         pi-allyl, or cyclopentadienyl complexes of the noble metal and         of the promoter) at the surface of the carbon support; and (b)         removing the ligands by, for example, heating or reduction to         form the alloy particles at the surface.     -   5. Forming the alloy by contacting a solution containing a metal         compound (e.g., a metal chloride or a metal alkyl compound) with         a pre-deposited metal hydride containing a metal belonging to         Group 8, 9, or 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements.     -   6. Forming the alloy by co-depositing, either simultaneously or         sequentially, metal complexes (either preformed or formed in         situ) containing the noble metal(s) and promoter(s) at the         surface of the carbon support.     -   7. Forming the alloy by pre-forming alloy particles as colloids         or aerosols, and then depositing the preformed alloy particles         at the surface of the carbon support. To illustrate, colloidal         particles containing platinum and iron may be easily formed by         boiling a dilute solution of H₂PtCl₆ and SnCl₂.2H₂O with a         sodium citrate solution.

Protecting agents (e.g., carbohydrates, polymers, lipophilic quaternary nitrogen salts) may be used to effectively control metal alloy particle growth. This technique, therefore, is often useful to form a narrow distribution of alloy particle sizes.

It should be recognized that the above-discussed techniques for forming an alloy are simply illustrative, and not exhaustive. Using the teachings of this specification and the general knowledge of the art, one of ordinary skill in the art may routinely determine which of the numerous alloy preparation techniques known in the art are suitable to a particular use.

Regardless of the technique used to form the alloy, after the metals have been deposited at the surface of the carbon support, it is often preferable to dry the support using, for example, a sub-atmospheric, non-oxidizing environment (preferably, N₂, a noble gas, or both). Use of a drying step is particularly preferred where the surface of the support is to be subsequently reduced by heating the surface (and even more preferred where the heating is to be conducted in a non-oxidizing environment). Preferably, the support is dried to reduce the moisture content of the support to less than about 5% by weight.

It should be recognized that reducing the surface of the carbon support after deposition of the noble metal(s) and catalyst-surface promoter(s) typically increases the extent of noble metal alloyed with a catalyst-surface promoter. Such reduction also often tends to increase the number of particles falling within the preferred size range.

After the carbon support has been impregnated with the noble metal(s) (and catalyst-surface promoter(s), if any), the surface of the catalyst preferably is reduced. The surface of the catalyst suitably may be reduced, for example, by heating the surface at a temperature of at least about 400° C. It is especially preferable to conduct this heating in a non-oxidizing environment (e.g., nitrogen, argon, or helium). It is also more preferred for the temperature to be greater than about 500° C. Still more preferably, the temperature is from about 550 to about 1,200° C., and most preferably from about 550 to about 900° C. Temperatures less than 400° C. tend to be unsatisfactory for removing the oxygen-containing functional groups from the surface of the carbon support. On the other hand, temperatures greater than 1,200° C. tend to reduce the activity of the catalyst. Temperatures of from about 400 to about 500° C. preferably are used only if the surface of the carbon support has a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio of at least about 20:1 before the noble metal is deposited onto the surface.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the surface of the catalyst is reduced by a process comprising exposing the surface to a reducing environment. For example, before the heating, the catalyst sample may be pre-treated with a liquid phase reducing agent, such as formaldehyde or formic acid. Even more preferably, the heating is conducted in the presence of a gas-phase reducing agent (the method of heating the catalyst in the presence of a gas-phase reducing agent will sometimes be referred to as high-temperature gas-phase reduction). Various gas-phase reducing agents may be used during the heating, including but not limited to H₂, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. Hydrogen gas is most preferred because the small molecular size of hydrogen allows better penetration into the deepest pores of the carbon support. Preferably, the remainder of the gas consists essentially of a non-oxidizing gas, such as nitrogen, argon, or helium. The gas may comprise any finite concentration of H₂, although H₂ concentrations of less than 1.0% are disadvantageous because of the time they tend to require to reduce the surface of the support. Preferably, the gas comprises from about 5 to about 50 volume % H₂, and most preferably from about 5 to about 25 volume % H₂.

The preferred amount of time that the catalyst surface is heated depends on the mass transfer of the reducing agent to the catalyst surface. When the reducing agent is a non-oxidizing gas comprising from about 10 to about 20 volume % H₂, the surface preferably is heated for from about 15 minutes to about 24 hours at from about 550 to about 900° C. with a space velocity of from about 1 to about 5,000 hour⁻¹. More preferably, the space velocity is from about 10 to about 2,500 hour⁻¹, and even more preferably from about 50 to about 750 hour⁻¹. In the most preferred embodiment, the heat treatment is conducted at the above preferred temperatures and space velocities for from about 1 to about 10 hours⁻¹. Heating the surface at space velocities of less than 1 hour⁻¹ is disadvantageous because the oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the carbon support may not be sufficiently destroyed. On the other hand, heating the surface at space velocities greater than 5,000 hour⁻¹ is uneconomical.

Pre-existing oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the carbon support generally are not necessary, or even desired, to obtain adequate noble metal dispersion and retention. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that this heating step enhances the platinum-carbon interaction on the catalyst by removing oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the carbon support, including those formed by depositing the noble metal onto the surface. It is believed that these oxygen-containing functional groups are unstable anchor sites for the noble metal because they tend to interfere with the potentially stronger π interactions between the noble metal and the carbon support. Heating alone will decompose and thereby remove many of the oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of the carbon support. However, by heating the surface in the presence of a reducing agent (e.g., H₂), more oxygen-containing functional groups are able to be eliminated.

If the carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio at the surface of the carbon support is less than about 20:1 before the noble metal is deposited onto the surface of the support, the surface preferably is reduced using the above-described high-temperature gas-phase reduction treatment at a temperature greater than 500° C., although the surface may optionally be treated with other reduction environments in addition to high-temperature gas-phase reduction. On the other hand, if the surface of the carbon support has a carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio which is at least about 20:1 before the noble metal is deposited onto the surface, various alternative reduction environments may be used instead of high-temperature gas-phase reduction.

The surface of the catalyst may be reduced, at least in part, by treating it with an amine, such as urea, a solution comprising ammonium ions (e.g., ammonium formate or ammonium oxalate), or ammonia gas, with ammonia gas or a solution comprising ammonium ions being most preferred. This amine treatment preferably is used in addition to other reduction treatments, and most preferably is used before high-temperature gas-phase reduction. In one such embodiment, the noble metal is deposited onto the surface by treating it with a noble metal precursor solution comprising ammonium ions. Alternatively, after the noble metal is deposited onto the surface of the support, the support may be washed with a solution comprising ammonium ions or placed into contact with a gas comprising ammonia. Most preferably, the catalyst surface is washed with diluted aqueous ammonia after depositing the noble metal. In this instance, the catalyst is added to pure water and stirred for a few hours to wet the surface of the catalyst. Next, while continuing to stir the catalyst slurry, a solution comprising ammonium ions is added to the catalyst slurry in an amount sufficient to produce a pH of greater than 7, more preferably from about 8 to about 12, and most preferably from about 9.5 to about 11.0. Because the temperature and pressure are not critical, this step preferably is performed at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Example 10 further demonstrates this reduction treatment.

Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) also may be used to reduce the surface of the catalyst. As with the amine treatment, this treatment preferably is used in addition to other reduction treatments, and most preferably is used before high-temperature gas-phase reduction. Preferably, after depositing the noble metal onto the surface of the support, the support is washed with a solution of NaBH₄ in the presence of NaOH at a pH of from about 8 to about 14 for about 15 to about 180 minutes. The amount of NaBH₄ used preferably is sufficient to reduce all the noble metal. Because the temperature and pressure are not critical, this step preferably is performed at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Example 12 further demonstrates this reduction treatment.

It should be recognized that any of the above treatments which may be used to reduce the surface of the catalyst also may be used to deoxygenate the surface of the carbon support before the noble metal is deposited onto the surface.

In many processes, when it is desirable for a catalyst to contain a promoter, the promoter is pre-deposited onto the catalyst surface by, for example, the promoter deposition techniques described above (this deposition step is often performed by the manufacturer of the catalyst). This promoter deposition step, however, tends to add costs to the catalyst preparation process. To avoid these additional costs, it has been found that the benefits of a promoter (e.g., increased selectivity, activity, and/or catalyst stability) may be obtained by merely mixing a promoter (i.e., a supplemental promoter) directly with a carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst (particularly with the reduced catalysts described above). This mixing may, for example, be conducted directly in an oxidation reaction zone where the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized. Alternatively, for example, this mixing may take place separately from the oxidation reaction, such as in a catalyst holding tank.

Particularly, it has been discovered that certain metals and/or metal compounds function as supplemental promoters in the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate catalyzed by a carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst. It has been found that such supplemental promoters are effective in enhancing the capability of noble metal on carbon catalysts for the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product wherein they are effective in enhancing catalysis of the desired conversion to N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, the oxidation of by-product formaldehyde to formic acid, and the oxidation of by-product formic acid to carbon dioxide.

Depending on the application, the supplemental promoter(s) may be, for example, tin, cadmium, magnesium, manganese, ruthenium, nickel, copper, aluminum, cobalt, bismuth, lead, titanium, antimony, selenium, iron, rhenium, zinc, cerium, zirconium, tellurium, sodium, potassium, vanadium, gallium, tantalum, niobium, rubidium, cesium, lanthanum, and/or germanium. It is often more preferred for the supplemental promoter(s) to be bismuth, lead, germanium, tellurium, titanium, copper and/or nickel.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the supplemental promoter is bismuth. It has been found in accordance with this invention that the presence of bismuth is especially effective in enhancing the selectivity of a carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst (particularly the reduced catalyst described above) when it is used to catalyze the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. More specifically, it has been found that the presence of bismuth causes an increase in the amount of formic acid by-product that is catalytically oxidized. In some instances (particularly where the catalyst comprises tin as a catalyst-surface promoter), the presence of bismuth also has been found to cause an increase in the amount of formaldehyde by-product that is catalytically oxidized. This increased destruction of one or both of these by-products, in turn, causes less N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine by-product to be formed (it is believed that this stems from the fact that the formation of each molecule of N-methyl-N(phosphonomethyl)glycine by-product requires either (a) two formaldehyde molecules, or (b) a formic acid molecule and a formaldehyde molecule). Further, it has been found that in some instances (particularly where more than one supplemental promoter is used) that the presence of bismuth may also reduce the amount of noble metal that leaches from the carbon support of the catalyst during the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate.

In another preferred embodiment of this invention, tellurium is used as a supplemental promoter. As in the above embodiment incorporating bismuth as a supplemental promoter, it has been found that the presence of tellurium is also effective in enhancing the selectivity of a carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst (particularly the reduced catalyst described above) when it is used to catalyze the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. More particularly, it has been further found that tellurium may increase the activity of the catalyst in the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. Further, it has also been found that noble metal leaching from the carbon support of the catalyst may be reduced during the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate by the presence of tellurium in the reaction medium (particularly when bismuth is also present).

In a most preferred embodiment, both bismuth and tellurium are used as supplemental promoters.

The mixing of the supplemental promoter and catalyst preferably is conducted in a liquid medium. As noted above, this mixing may, for example, be conducted directly in a liquid reaction medium where the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is being oxidized. Where, however, the oxidation reaction is carried out under pressure, the reaction vessel is normally sealed and it is consequently often more preferred to mix the catalyst with the supplemental promoter separately from the reaction vessel, such as in a catalyst holding or recycle tank.

Typically, the supplemental promoter is introduced into the mixing liquid in the form of an inorganic or organic compound containing the supplemental promoter. The promoter-containing compound may be soluble or insoluble in the liquid, but most typically is at least partially soluble. The functional group attached to the supplemental promoter atom is generally not critical (although it preferably is an agronomically acceptable functional group). Typically, for example, suitable compounds include oxides, hydroxides, salts of inorganic hydracids, salts of inorganic oxy-acids, salts of aliphatic or aromatic organic acids, and phenates.

Suitable bismuth-containing compounds, for example, include inorganic or organic compounds wherein the bismuth atom(s) is at an oxidation level greater than 0 (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or 5), most preferably 3. Examples of such suitable bismuth compounds include:

-   -   1. Bismuth oxides. These include, for example, BiO, Bi₂O₃,         Bi₂O₄, Bi₂O₅, and the like.     -   2. Bismuth hydroxides. These include, for example, Bi(OH)₃ and         the like.     -   3. Bismuth salts of inorganic hydracids. These include, for         example, bismuth chloride (e.g., BiCl₃), bismuth bromide (e.g.,         BiBr₃), bismuth iodide (e.g., BiI₃), bismuth telluride (e.g.,         Bi₂Te₃), and the like. Bismuth halides are typically less         preferred because they tend to be corrosive to the process         equipment.     -   4. Bismuth salts of inorganic oxy-acids. These include, for         example, bismuth sulphite (e.g., Bi₂(SO₃)₃.Bi₂O₃.5H₂O), bismuth         sulphate (e.g., Bi₂(SO₄)₃), bismuthyl sulfate (e.g., (BiO)HSO₄),         bismuthyl nitrite (e.g., (BiO)NO₂.0.5H₂O), bismuth nitrate         (e.g., Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O, also known as bismuth nitrate         pentahydrate), bismuthyl nitrate (e.g., (BiO)NO₃, also known as         bismuth subnitrate, bismuth nitrate oxide, and bismuth         oxynitrate), double nitrate of bismuth and magnesium (e.g.,         2Bi(NO₃)₃.3Mg(NO₃)₂.24H₂O), bismuth phosphite (e.g.,         Bi₂(PO₃H)₃.3H₂O), bismuth phosphate (e.g., BiPO₄), bismuth         pyrophosphate (e.g., Bi₄(P₂O₇)₃), bismuthyl carbonate (e.g.,         (BiO)₂CO₃, also known as bismuth subcarbonate), bismuth         perchlorate (e.g., Bi(ClO₄)₃.5H₂O), bismuth antimonate (e.g.,         BiSbO₄), bismuth arsenate (e.g., Bi(AsO₄)₃), bismuth selenite         (e.g., Bi₂(SeO₂)₃), bismuth titanate (e.g., Bi₂O₃.2TiO₂), and         the like. These salts also include bismuth salts of oxy-acids         derived from transition metals, including, for example, bismuth         vanadate (e.g., BiVO₄), bismuth niobate (e.g., BiNbO₄), bismuth         tantalate (BiTaO₄), bismuth chromate (Bi₂(CrO₄), bismuthyl         dichromate (e.g., (BiO)₂Cr₂O₇), bismuthyl chromate (e.g.,         H(BiO)CrO₄), double chromate of bismuthyl and potassium (e.g.,         K(BiO)CrO₄), bismuth molybdate (e.g., Bi₂(MoO₄)₃), double         molybdate of bismuth and sodium (e.g., NaBi(MoO₄)₂), bismuth         tungstate (e.g., Bi₂(WO₄)₃), bismuth permanganate (e.g.,         Bi₂O₂(OH)MnO₄), bismuth zirconate (e.g., 2Bi₂O₃.3ZrO₂), and the         like.     -   5. Bismuth salts of aliphatic or aromatic organic acids. These         include, for example, bismuth acetate (e.g., Bi(C₂H₃O₂)₃),         bismuthyl propionate (e.g., (BiO)C₃H₅O₂), bismuth benzoate         (e.g., C₆H₅CO₂Bi(OH)₂), bismuthyl salicylate (e.g.,         C₆H₄CO₂(BiO)(OH)), bismuth oxalate (e.g., (C₂O₄)₃Bi₂), bismuth         tartrate (e.g., Bi₂(C₄H₄O₆)₃.6H₂O), bismuth lactate (e.g.,         (C₆H₉O₅)OBi.7H₂O), bismuth citrate (e.g., C₆H₅O₇Bi), and the         like.     -   6. Bismuth phenates. These include, for example, bismuth gallate         (e.g., C₇H₇O₇Bi), bismuth pyrogallate (e.g.,         C₆H₃(OH)₂(OBi)(OH)), and the like.     -   7. Miscellaneous other organic and inorganic bismuth compounds.         These include, for example, bismuth phosphide (e.g., BiP),         bismuth arsenide (Bi₃As₄), sodium bismuthate (e.g., NaBiO₃),         bismuth-thiocyanic acid (e.g., H₂(Bi(BNS)₅)_(n)H₃(Bi(CNS)₆)),         sodium salt of bismuth-thiocyanic acid, potassium salt of         bismuth-thiocyanic acid, trimethylbismuthine (e.g., Bi(CH₃)₃),         triphenylbismuthine (e.g., Bi(C₆H₅)₃), bismuth oxychloride         (e.g., BiOCl), bismuth oxyiodide (e.g., BiOI), and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the bismuth compound is a bismuth oxide, bismuth hydroxide, or bismuth salt of an inorganic oxy-acid. More preferably, the bismuth compound is bismuth nitrate (e.g., Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O), bismuthyl carbonate (e.g., (BiO)₂CO₃), or bismuth oxide (e.g., Bi₂O₃), with bismuth (III) oxide (i.e., Bi₂O₃) being most preferred because it contains no counterion which can contaminate the final reaction product.

Suitable tellurium-containing compounds, for example, include inorganic or organic compounds wherein the tellurium atom(s) is at an oxidation level greater than 0 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6), most preferably 4. Examples of such suitable tellurium compounds include:

-   -   1. Tellurium oxides. These include, for example, TeO₂, Te₂O₃,         Te₂O₅, TeO₃, and the like.     -   2. Tellurium salts of inorganic hydracids. These include, for         example, tellurium tetrachloride (e.g., TeCl₄), tellurium         tetrabromide (e.g., TeBr₄), tellurium tetraiodide (e.g., TeI₄),         and the like.     -   3. Tellurium salts of inorganic oxy-acids. These include, for         example, tellurious acid (e.g., H₂TeO₃), telluric acid (e.g.,         H₂TeO₄ or Te(OH)₆), tellurium nitrate (e.g., Te₂O₄.HNO₃), and         the like.     -   4. Miscellaneous other organic and inorganic tellurium         compounds.

These include, for example, dimethyl tellurium dichloride, lead tellurium oxide, tellurium isopropoxide, ammonium tellurate, tellurium thiourea, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the tellurium compound is a tellurium oxide or tellurium salt of an inorganic hydracid. More preferably, the tellurium compound is tellurium dioxide (e.g., TeO₂), tellurium tetrachloride (e.g., TeCl₄), or telluric acid (e.g., Te(OH)₆), with tellurium tetrachloride being most preferred.

The preferred amount of the supplemental promoter introduced into the reaction zone depends on, for example, the mass of the carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst (i.e., the total mass of the carbon support, noble metal, and any other component of the catalyst); mass of the total reaction feed mixture; and the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl) iminodiacetic acid substrate.

In general, the ratio of the mass of the supplemental promoter to the mass of the carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst charged to the reactor(s) is preferably at least about 1:15000; more preferably at least about 1:5000; even more preferably at least about 1:2500; and most preferably at least about 1:1000. Although it is feasible to practice the present invention without detriment to the oxidation reaction when ratios of the mass of supplemental promoter to the mass of the carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst are as great as about 1:750, about 1:500, about 1:300, and even greater than about 1:50 or 1:40, the preferred lower ratios described above have been found to be effective for most applications, and particularly for the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl) iminodiacetic acid substrate.

The ratio of the mass of the supplemental promoter to the total reaction mass charged to the reactor is preferably at least about 1:1,000,000; more preferably at least about 1:100,000; even more preferably at least about 1:40,000; and most preferably from about 1:40,000 to about 1:15,000. Although ratios greater than 1:8000 may normally be used without detriment to the oxidation reaction, it is generally preferred for the ratio to be less than 1:8000 (particularly where bismuth is the supplemental promoter).

The ratio of the mass of the supplemental promoter to the mass of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate charged to the reactor is preferably at least about 1:100,000; more preferably 1:10,000; even more preferably at least about 1:4000; and most preferably from about 1:4000 to about 1:2000. Although ratios greater than 1:1000 may normally be used without detriment to the oxidation reaction, it is generally preferred for the ratio to be less than 1:1000 (particularly where bismuth is the supplemental promoter).

Where a particulate noble metal on carbon catalyst is used for the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, both the catalyst and the supplemental promoter may be charged to an aqueous reaction medium containing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and oxygen. The supplemental promoter may be charged in a mass ratio to the catalyst charge of at least about 1:15,000, preferably at least about 1:5000, more preferably at least about 1:2500, and most preferably at least about 1:1000. As oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate proceeds, formaldehyde and formic acid by-products are generated. The catalyst is effective to catalyze not only the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate but also the further oxidation of formaldehyde to formic acid, and formic acid to carbon dioxide. The presence of the supplemental promoter is effective to enhance the catalytic oxidation of these by-products, especially for the conversion of formic acid to CO₂.

Where the oxidation reaction is conducted in a stirred tank reactor in which catalyst is slurried in the reaction medium, the catalyst is separated from the reaction mixture, preferably by filtration, and recycled to the reactor for further oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and the aforesaid by-products. Such a stirred tank reactor system may be operated in either a batch or continuous mode. Alternatively, a fixed or fluid catalyst bed can be used. In a continuous process, the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, formaldehyde and formic acid are all oxidized in a continuous reaction zone to which an aqueous reaction medium comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)imindiacetic acid substrate is continuously or intermittently supplied and a reaction mixture comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is continuously or intermittently withdrawn, the supplemental promoter being continuously or intermittently introduced into the reaction zone.

It has been observed that addition of a discrete charge of supplemental promoter to the first batch of series of successive batch reaction cycles is effective to enhance the activity of the catalyst for oxidation of formaldehyde and formic acid throughout the series of reaction cycles, without further addition of supplemental promoter from any external source. It has further been observed that the supplemental promoter is present in the recycled catalyst, apparently having been deposited thereon by adsorption to the noble metal and/or the carbon support. Only a fraction of the supplemental promoter added to the first batch of the series can be found on the catalyst after multiple cycles. However, when supplemental promoter is introduced into the first batch in the amounts described above, the fraction remaining on the catalyst is apparently sufficient for promoting the oxidation of formaldehyde and formic acid throughout the series of batches in which the catalyst recycled from an earlier batch is substantially the sole source of supplemental promoter for the successive batch reaction cycles of the series. It has been found that a single addition of supplemental promoter in a mass ratio to the catalyst of approximately 1:2500 is effective for promotion of by-product oxidation in series of 20 or more, typically 50 or more, more typically over 100, batch reaction cycles. Thereafter, a further discrete charge of supplemental promoter optionally may be added to the reaction medium for a subsequent batch constituting the first of another series of batch oxidation reaction cycles in which the recycle catalyst from an earlier batch of such further series becomes substantially the sole source of promoter for the successive batch reaction cycles of the further series of batch reactions.

Similarly, where supplemental promoter is added to the reaction medium in a continuous stirred tank reactor, addition of supplemental promoter in a single discrete amount is effective to enhance the effectiveness of the catalyst for formaldehyde and formic acid oxidation throughout multiple reactor turnovers of a continuous reaction run. No further addition of supplemental promoter is made until the start of a second reaction run. For this purpose, a reaction run consists of the period of oxidation of formaldehyde and formic acid from the time of any discrete addition of supplemental promoter to the reaction zone until the time of the next succeeding addition of supplemental promoter to the reaction zone, and may consist of 50 or more, typically 100 or more, turnovers of the working volume of the reactor.

As noted, only a fraction of the supplemental promoter added to the first batch of a cycle remains on the catalyst after multiple cycles of a series of batch reaction runs, or after multiple turnovers of a continuous reaction run. However, the supplemental promoter remains effective to enhance the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, formaldehyde and formic acid when the substrate is contacted with the oxidizing agent in a reaction zone which comprises the liquid reaction medium and wherein the mass ratio of supplemental promoter to the catalyst in such reaction zone is at least about 1:200,000, preferably at least about 1:70,000, more preferably at least about 1:30,000, most preferably at least about 1:15,000. Inasmuch as substantially the sole source of supplemental promoter for the reactor may be recycle catalyst, it is further preferred that the supplemental promoter be present on or in the recycle catalyst in the same mass ratios, i.e., at least about 1:200,000, preferably at least about 1:70,000, more preferably at least about 1:30,000, most preferably at least about 1:15,000.

The supplemental promoter content of the reaction zone can also be expressed as a mass ratio to the noble metal component of the catalyst. For example, for a 5% noble metal on carbon catalyst, the ratio of supplemental promoter to noble metal should be at least about 1:10,000, more preferably 1:3500, more preferably 1:1800, most preferably 1:700. These preferences generally prevail over the range of noble metal content of the noble metal on carbon catalyst, which is typically from about 0.5 to 20% noble metal. However, where the noble metal content is relatively high, e.g., approaching 20%, the supplemental promoter may be effective in relatively lower mass ratios to the noble metal component, even as low as 1:40,000.

Where the supplemental promoter is added in a discrete charge at the start of a series of batch reaction cycles, or at the beginning of a continuous reaction run as defined above, it is added in a mass ratio to the noble metal component of the catalyst of at least about 1:750, preferably at least about 1:250, more preferably at least about 1:125, most preferably at least about 1:50. As indicated above, the preferred ratio of supplemental promoter to noble metal may vary with the noble metal content of the catalyst. Thus, e.g., when the noble metal content of the catalyst approaches 20% by weight, the supplemental promoter may be effective when added at a mass ratio to noble metal of 1:3000 or higher, more preferably at least about 1:1000, 1:500 or 1:200.

Periodic discrete additions of supplemental promoter may be advantageous because excessive proportions of supplemental promoter, while maximizing the effectiveness of the catalyst for the oxidation of formaldehyde and formic acid, may retard the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. By adding supplemental promoter only periodically, the proportions of supplemental promoter deposited on the catalyst and present in the reaction zone may decay fairly rapidly to a residual quasi-steady state range wherein the supplemental promoter remains effective to enhance catalytic activity for the oxidation of formaldehyde or formic acid without significantly retarding the rate or extent of oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. Thus, the optimum supplemental promoter content within the oxidation reaction zone for oxidizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, and on the recycle catalyst for such reaction, may be lower than 1:15,000, for example, in a range of 1:65,000 to 1:25,000.

Deposit of supplemental promoter on the surface of a noble metal on carbon catalyst in the reaction medium results in formation of a novel catalyst complex comprising the catalyst and the promoter. The catalyst component of the catalyst complex may further comprise a surface promoter comprising a metal different from the supplemental promoter or, in some instances, comprising the same metal. The supplemental promoter is believed to be deposited by adsorption from the reaction medium, and remains desorbable from the catalyst surface into the catalyst medium. While an operative fraction of residual supplemental promoter resists desorption to remain adhered to the catalyst through multiple reaction cycles (or through an extended run of a continuous reaction system) as explained hereinabove, the supplemental promoter is typically more desorbable than the surface promoter which is applied in the catalyst preparation process.

As described above, the catalyst is prepared in the first instance by depositing noble metal and optionally surface promoter onto a carbon support to form a catalyst precursor, then reducing the catalyst precursor to produce the reaction catalyst. The novel catalyst complex is formed by subsequent deposition of supplemental promoter on the oxidation catalyst, typically by adsorption to the carbon or noble metal surface. Advantageously, the supplemental promoter is mixed with the oxidation catalyst in the reaction medium so that the promoter is deposited from the reaction medium onto the catalyst surface. However, it will be understood that, in the alternative, the supplemental promoter can be premixed with the oxidation catalyst in another liquid medium to form the catalyst complex, after which the catalyst complex may be introduced into the reaction medium for use in conducting the oxidation reaction.

It should be recognized that, depending on the desired effects, more than one supplemental promoter may be used. In addition, each supplemental promoter may come from more than one source. Further, the carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst may already contain an amount of metal on its surface which is the same metal as the supplemental promoter, such as where (a) the catalyst is manufactured with a such a metal on its surface to act as a catalyst-surface promoter, or (b) the catalyst is a used catalyst which has been recovered from a previous reaction mixture where the metal was present (e.g., as a supplemental promoter).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst itself also comprises one or more catalyst-surface promoters on its surface, as described above. Where the catalyst is being used in the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and the supplemental promoter is bismuth, it is particularly preferred for the catalyst to contain tin and/or iron (the presence of tin tends to be particularly useful for increasing the oxidation of the formaldehyde by-product in addition to increasing the oxidation of the formic acid by-product).

In many instances, after a supplemental promoter (particularly bismuth) and a carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst have been combined, at least a portion of the supplemental promoter deposits onto the surface of the carbon support and/or noble metal of the catalyst, and is consequently retained by the catalyst. Because the catalyst retains the promoter, the catalyst may typically be recycled for use in catalyzing the oxidation of subsequent amounts of the oxidation substrate (e.g., the catalyst may be used to oxidize additional batches of the oxidation substrate, or may be used in a continuous oxidation process) while still retaining the benefits of the supplemental promoter. And, as the effects of the supplemental promoter decrease over time with use, replenishing amounts of fresh supplemental promoter may periodically be mixed with the catalyst to revive the effects and/or achieve other desired results (e.g., decreased formic acid levels). Where, for example, the catalyst is used in multiple batch reactions, such periodic replenishing may, for example, be conducted after the catalyst has been used in at least about 20 batch oxidation reactions (more preferably after it has been used in at least about 30 batch oxidation reactions, and most preferably after it has been used in at least about 100 or more batch oxidation reactions). Where a catalyst is periodically replenished with fresh supplemental promoter, the mixing for replenishment may be conducted in or separately from the oxidation reaction zone(s).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a supplemental promoter is mixed with a used catalyst (i.e., a catalyst that has been used in one or more previous oxidation reactions). Typically, the activity and/or desired selectivity of a catalyst decreases with use. Thus, for example, the activity of a carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing catalyst for oxidizing by-products (e.g., formaldehyde and/or formic acid) of the oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate often tends to decrease as the catalyst is used, thereby causing less formaldehyde and/or formic acid to be destroyed and, consequently, a greater amount of N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine to be produced. Eventually, in fact, this activity will decrease to a level where an unacceptable amount of formaldehyde and/or formic acid is not oxidized, consequently often causing an unacceptable amount of N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine compounds to be produced (i.e., the selectivity of the catalyst for making N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine compounds from N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrates will decrease to an unacceptable level). Traditionally, when the catalyst activity for oxidizing the by-products reaches such a point, the catalyst has been deemed unuseable, and, consequently, has either been recycled (i.e., reactivated) through a time-consuming and sometimes costly process, or discarded altogether. It has been discovered in accordance with this invention, however, that such a catalyst can be revived (i.e., the selectivity of the catalyst for making N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product can be increased to an acceptable level) by mixing the catalyst with a supplemental promoter, particularly bismuth or tellurium. In other words, the supplemental promoter can be used to modify the catalyst performance and extend the life of the catalyst.

It has been observed that a supplemental promoter (particularly bismuth) may cause a slight decrease in the oxidation rate of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. In such an instance, the oxidation rate may typically be increased, at least in part, by increasing the amount of oxygen fed into the reacting mixture, maintaining a relatively high oxygen flowrate for an extended period during the reaction, and/or increasing the pressure. Where, however, the oxygen flow is increased, it preferably is not increased to an extent which causes the catalyst surface to become detrimentally over-oxidized. Thus, the increased oxygen feed rate preferably is maintained at a level such that at least about 40% (more preferably at least about 60%, even more preferably at least about 80%, and most preferably at least about 90%) of the fed oxygen is utilized.

Preferred Oxidation Reactor Systems

The oxidation reaction zone(s) may comprise a wide range of reactor configurations, including those that have back-mixed characteristics, in the liquid phase and optionally in the gas phase as well, and those that have plug flow characteristics. Suitable reactor configurations having back-mixed characteristics include, for example, stirred tank reactors, ejector nozzle loop reactors (also known as venturi-loop reactors) and fluidized bed reactors. Suitable reactor configurations having plug flow characteristics include those having a packed or fixed catalyst bed (e.g., trickle bed reactors and packed bubble column reactors) and bubble slurry column reactors. Fluidized bed reactors may also be operated in a manner exhibiting plug flow characteristics.

In a broad sense, the oxidation reaction may be practiced in accordance with the present invention at a wide range of temperatures, and at pressures ranging from sub-atmospheric to super-atmospheric. Use of mild conditions (e.g., room temperature and atmospheric pressure) has commercial advantages in that less expensive equipment may be used in the reactor system. However, operating at higher temperatures and super-atmospheric pressures, tends to improve mass transfer between the liquid and gas phase (e.g., the oxygen source), increase the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction rate and increase the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solubility, thereby reducing the amount of water requiring separation to precipitate and recover the product. Accordingly, use of more aggressive oxidation conditions can actually reduce the overall costs of a plant and reduce operating costs per unit of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product produced. Preferably, the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction is conducted at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 180° C., more preferably from about 50° C. to about 140° C., still more preferably from about 80° C. to about 110° C., and yet still more preferably from about 95° C. to about 105° C. At temperatures greater than about 180° C., the feed materials tend to slowly decompose. Moreover, the selectivity toward the desired N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product tends to worsen as the oxidation reaction temperature increases much above about 90° C. For example, the production of the undesired by-product-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (NMG) tends to increase roughly 2- to 4-fold for each 10° C. increase in reaction temperature above 90° C. Lower temperatures (i.e., temperatures less than about 95° C.) often tend to be less advantageous because the solubility of some N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrates and N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine products are reduced at such temperatures. The total pressure maintained in the oxidation reaction zone(s) generally depends on the temperature used and the reactor configuration. The total pressure in each oxidation reaction zone is preferably at least equal to atmospheric pressure and sufficient to prevent the liquid reaction medium in the oxidation zone from boiling. Preferred oxidation reaction conditions for particular reactor systems are discussed in greater detail below.

In a preferred embodiment, the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is conducted in one or more continuous oxidation reaction zones, wherein the substrate is continuously oxidized to form the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Continuous oxidation provides the opportunity for greater process throughput and lower production costs. Moreover, because the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is exothermic, after startup of a continuous oxidation reactor system, typically no heat input to the aqueous feed stream introduced into the oxidation zone is required to maintain the desired oxidation reaction temperature.

Various reactor configurations may be suitably employed to provide the continuous oxidation reaction zone(s). In accordance with one preferred embodiment, continuous oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is carried out in one or more substantially back-mixed oxidation reaction zones (i.e., back-mixed in at least the liquid phase) utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst, preferably the deeply reduced noble metal on carbon particulate catalyst described above, suspended in contact with the liquid reaction medium. However, it should be understood that the practice of the present invention is not limited to use of such a deeply reduced catalyst, nor to a catalyst in particulate form. Moreover, it should be understood that the catalyst used in the reactor systems of the present invention may comprise a mixture of different catalysts and/or the catalyst may vary from one oxidation reaction zone to the next within the reactor system.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a reactor system that may be used to carry out the continuous oxidation process of the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 2 comprises a continuous stirred tank reactor 3 providing mechanical agitation of the liquid reaction medium contained therein, typically by a rotating impeller. Stirred tank reactors suitably back-mix the liquid phase within the reaction zone, are relatively simple in design, and operation can be scaled to the desired process capacity. Various impeller designs may be employed, including systems with multiple blades rotated on a common shaft. The reactor vessel may include internal baffles and/or draft tubes to modify mixing characteristics and prevent swirling of the liquid reaction medium as is well-known to those skilled in the art.

Although the reactor system shown in FIG. 2 comprises a single continuous stirred tank reactor, in many instances, a reactor system comprising two or more back-mixed oxidation reaction zones staged in series is preferred as will be described in greater detail below. The back-mixed oxidation reaction zone(s) may be suitably provided by reactor configurations other than continuous stirred tank reactors (e.g., ejector nozzle loop reactors and fluidized bed reactors). Moreover, different reactor configurations may be combined in a reactor system comprising multiple oxidation reaction zones. For example, one or more reactors having back-mixed characteristics may be combined with a reactor configuration having plug flow characteristics such as a fixed catalyst bed reactor.

An aqueous feed stream 1 comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously or intermittently introduced into a liquid reaction medium within the stirred tank reactor 3 along with an oxygen source. The heterogeneous particulate catalyst is also present within the oxidation reaction zone in contact with the liquid reaction medium and used to catalyze the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed. Vapor comprising CO₂ evolved as the oxidation reaction proceeds is vented from the headspace above the reaction mixture in the stirred tank reactor 3. A reaction mixture effluent 7 containing the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and the heterogenous particulate catalyst is continuously or intermittently withdrawn from the stirred tank reactor 3 and transferred to a catalyst filter 9, wherein substantially all the catalyst is separated from the reaction mixture to form: (1) a catalyst recycle stream 11 comprising substantially all the catalyst and a residual amount of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product; and (2) a filtrate 13 containing much of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The catalyst recycle stream 11 is reintroduced into the stirred tank reactor 3, while the filtrate 13 is carried forward to concentrate and purify the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

The temperature within the oxidation reaction zone is preferably maintained sufficiently high with respect to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration such that essentially all the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the reaction mixture effluent 7 withdrawn from the stirred tank reactor 3 is dissolved. Thus, for example, when the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine free acid at a concentration of from about 7 to about 15% by weight, the temperature of the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the stirred tank reactor 3 is preferably maintained at from about 80° C. to about 180° C., more preferably from about 90° C. to about 150° C., more preferably from about 90° C. to about 135° C., even more preferably from about 95° C. to about 125° C., and still more preferably from about 95° C. to about 105° C. However, it should be understood that precipitation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the reaction mixture effluent 7 can be tolerated and satisfactory results still obtained. The precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product may be separated with the particulate catalyst (e.g., co-filtered) from the remainder of the reaction mixture effluent 7.

At startup, the reaction mixture in the oxidation reaction zone 3 and/or the aqueous feed stream 1 may be heated to obtain the desired temperature for the oxidation reaction. If heat addition is required, all or at least a portion of the heat energy may be provided in pumping the various feed streams into the stirred tank reactor 3 and through the remainder of the reactor system such that a separate conventional feed preheater may not be necessary. Because the oxidation reaction is exothermic, it will normally be necessary to remove heat energy from the reaction mixture once the oxidation reaction begins to evolve significant amounts of heat in order to maintain the desired temperature within the oxidation zone. As shown in FIG. 2, excess reaction heat may be extracted from the reaction mixture within the stirred tank reactor 3 by passing the reaction mixture through an external heat transfer recirculation loop 15 containing a heat exchanger 16 wherein heat is transferred indirectly from the reaction mixture to a cooling medium (e.g., cooling water). The reaction temperature is controlled by, for example, controlling the supply of cooling water to heat exchanger 16 in response to the signal from a temperature controller. Reaction heat can be removed from the oxidation reaction zone by other conventional means as well, such as with cooling coils immersed within the reaction mixture or a reactor vessel jacket through which a cooling medium is circulated.

The total pressure in the stirred tank reactor 3 is generally from about 0 to about 500 psig and is preferably maintained sufficiently high to prevent the liquid reaction medium therein from boiling. Typically, the total pressure in the stirred tank reactor 3 is from about 30 to about 500 psig. When operating the oxidation reaction zone within the especially preferred temperature range of from about 95° C. to about 105° C., the total pressure maintained within the stirred tank reactor 3 is preferably from about 30 to about 130 psig and more preferably from about 90 to about 110 psig.

A wide range of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentrations may be used in the aqueous feed stream 1. The aqueous feed stream 1 includes the catalyst recycle stream 11 and any other recycle streams from other parts of the process introduced into stirred tank reactor 3. In slurry reactors, such as the stirred tank reactor shown in FIG. 2, the substrate concentration in the aqueous feed stream 1 is preferably selected with respect to the temperature of the reaction mixture effluent 7 such that essentially all of the desired N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is dissolved. As noted above, substrate concentrations which form reaction mixtures containing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product at a concentration exceeding the solubility limit of the product may also be employed, but are generally less preferred. Relative to many commonly-practiced commercial processes, this invention allows for greater temperatures and N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentrations to be used to prepare N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine while minimizing by-product formation. In the commonly practiced commercial processes using a carbon-only catalyst, it has often been economically preferable to operate at low substrate concentrations and temperatures to minimize the formation of the N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine by-product. With those processes and catalysts, temperatures of from about 60° C. to 90° C. are typically used to achieve cost effective yields and to minimize the generation of waste. At such temperatures, the maximum N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine solubility typically is less than 6.5% ([mass of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate÷total reaction mass]×100%). But, with the preferred oxidation catalyst and reaction process of this invention, the loss of noble metal from the catalyst and catalyst deactivation is minimized and the formaldehyde is more effectively oxidized, thereby allowing for reaction temperatures as great as 180° C. (or greater). The use of higher oxidation reaction temperatures and reactor feed concentrations permits reactor throughput to be increased, reduces the amount of water that must be removed per pound of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product produced, and reduces the cost of manufacturing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. This invention thus provides economic benefits over many commonly-practiced commercial processes.

The preferred upper limit on the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is dependent on the specific substrate employed. For example, in the case of a salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (e.g., potassium salt) concentrations up to about 70 wt. % may be employed. Typically, however, an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration of up to about 50 wt. % is preferred (especially at a reaction temperature of from about 20 to about 180° C.). More preferably, an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration of up to about 25 wt. % is used (particularly at a reaction temperature of from about 60 to about 150° C.). Even more preferably, an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration of from about 3 to about 20 wt. % is used (particularly at a reaction temperature of from about 100 to about 130° C.). At preferred reaction temperatures of from about 95 to about 105° C., the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration preferably is from about 7 to about 15 wt. %, more preferably from about 7 to about 12% by weight, and even more preferably from about 9 to about 10 wt. %.

In some instances, the source of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate fed to the process in the aqueous feed stream 1 contains chloride ions (Cl⁻) which have been carried over from the synthesis of the substrate. Where the catalyst comprises a carbon-supported noble metal, chloride ions tend to interact with the catalyst to increase leaching of the noble metal and inhibit formic acid by-product oxidation. Moreover, chloride levels may tend to elevate in reactor systems in which streams (e.g., from the product concentrating and/or purifying steps of the process) are recycled and introduced into the oxidation reaction zone(s) as described below. Preferably, the chloride ion concentration in the liquid phase reaction medium in contact with the catalyst within the oxidation reaction zone(s) is maintained at no greater than about 500 ppm by weight, more preferably no greater than about 300 ppm by weight, and even more preferably no greater than 100 ppm by weight. Advantageously, control of chloride levels in the oxidation reaction zone(s) is established by using an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate source having a relatively low chloride content to form the aqueous feed stream 1. Preferably, the concentration of chloride ion in the source of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate fed to the process in the aqueous feed stream is less than about 5000 ppm by weight, more preferably less than about 3000 ppm by weight, even more preferably less than about 2000 ppm by weight, and especially less than about 1000 ppm by weight on a dry basis. An N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate source meeting such standards may be produced, for example, by the processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,724,103 and 4775,498, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. In addition, it may be advantageous to utilize a deeply reduced noble metal (e.g., platinum) on carbon catalyst modified with an addition of ruthenium as described above to catalyze the reactions in a continuous oxidation reactor system. Such ruthenium modified catalysts may provide increased resistance to chloride attack and noble metal leaching and may be particularly suited for use in a continuous oxidation reactor system where chloride levels in the oxidation reaction zone(s) are elevated due to various recycle streams.

The oxygen source may be introduced into the reaction mixture within the stirred tank reactor 3 by any conventional manner which maintains the dissolved oxygen concentration in the reaction mixture at the desired level. Preferably, the oxygen source is an O₂-containing gas such as air, pure O₂ or O₂ diluted with one or more non-oxidizing gases (e.g., He, Ar and N₂). More preferably, the oxygen source is an O₂-containing gas comprising at least about 95 mole % O₂, typically approximately 98 mole % O₂. The O₂-containing gas is introduced into the reaction mixture in a manner which provides intimate contact of the gas with the reaction mixture. For example, an O₂-containing gas may be introduced through a sparger conduit or similar distributor positioned in the bottom of the stirred tank reactor 3 below the impeller so that the turbulence induced by the rotating impeller intimately mixes and distributes the O₂-containing gas as it rises though the liquid reaction medium. Distribution of the O₂-containing gas within the reaction mixture may be further enhanced by passing the gas through a diffuser such as a porous frit or by other means well-known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the O₂-containing gas may be introduced into the headspace above the reaction mixture in the stirred tank reactor 3.

If the dissolved oxygen concentration in the reaction mixture is too great, the catalyst surface tends to become detrimentally oxidized, which, in turn, tends to lead to more leaching and decreased formaldehyde activity (which, in turn, leads to more N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine being produced). To avoid this problem, it is generally preferred to use an oxygen feed rate such that at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 60%, even more preferably at least about 80%, and still even more preferably at least about 90% of the oxygen is utilized. As used herein, the percentage of oxygen utilized equals: (the total oxygen consumption rate÷oxygen feed rate)×100%. The term total oxygen consumption rate means the sum of: (i) the oxygen consumption rate (R_(i)) of the oxidation reaction of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and formaldehyde, (ii) the oxygen consumption rate (R_(ii)) of the oxidation reaction of formaldehyde to form formic acid, and (iii) the oxygen consumption rate (R_(iii)) of the oxidation reaction of formic acid to form carbon dioxide and water.

The oxygen partial pressure may vary in different regions of the oxidation reaction zone(s). Preferably, the oxygen partial pressure in the headspace above the liquid reaction mixture in a stirred tank reactor is from about 0.1 to about 35 psia, more preferably from about 1 to about 10 psia.

When the oxidation reaction is conducted in a single continuous stirred tank reactor system, the residence time in the reactor 3 can vary widely depending on the specific catalyst and oxidation reaction conditions employed. Typically, the residence time is from about 3 to about 120 minutes, more preferably from about 5 to about 90 minutes, still more preferably from about 5 to about 60 minutes, and still even more preferably from about 15 to about 60 minutes. The residence time is defined relative to the flowrate of filtrate 13 and the working volume of stirred tank reactor 3.

The particulate catalyst utilized in the continuous oxidation reaction system may comprise a support in the form of a powder exhibiting a particle size distribution as previously described. Preferably, the average particle size of the particulate catalyst is from about 15 to about 40 μm, more preferably about 25 μm. The concentration of the particulate catalyst in the reaction mixture within the stirred tank reactor 3 is preferably from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % ([mass of catalyst÷total reaction mass]×100%). More preferably, the catalyst concentration is from about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, even more preferably from about 1 to about 3 wt. %, and still even more preferably about 2 wt. %. Concentrations greater than about 10 wt. % are difficult to separate from the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. On the other hand, concentrations less than about 0.1 wt. % tend to produce unacceptably low reaction rates.

The catalyst filter 9 used to separate the particulate catalyst from the reaction mixture 7 withdrawn from the stirred tank reactor 3 is preferably a filter adapted for continuous separation of catalyst from the reaction mixture. That is, the catalyst filter 9 is capable of receiving a continuous flow of reaction mixture 7 and continuously forming the filtrate 13 and the catalyst recycle stream 11 without having to interrupt the flow of reaction mixture introduced into the filter. In accordance with an especially preferred embodiment, catalyst filter 9 is a continuous cross-flow filter or a continuous back-pulse filter. In practicing the continuous oxidation process depicted in FIG. 2, a back-pulse filter is generally preferred over a cross-flow filter because the present commercially available back-pulse filters typically can form a catalyst recycle stream 11 containing a greater concentration of catalyst, often at least a 5-fold greater catalyst concentration, as compared to present commercially available cross-flow filters.

FIG. 2A is a schematic flow sheet of a continuous reactor system similar to that shown in FIG. 2 particularly adapted for use of a continuous back-pulse filter as catalyst filter 9. When the operating total pressure in the oxidation reaction zone(s) is much higher than atmospheric pressure, as is preferred, the pressure over the reaction mixture effluent 7 withdrawn from the stirred tank reactor 3 is typically reduced in connection with concentrating and purifying the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. At least a portion of this pressure reduction may take place in a flash tank 17 upstream of catalyst filter 9. The flash tank 17 lowers the pressure on the reaction mixture 7 to some degree, causing dissolved CO₂ to be flashed out of the mixture and vented as vapor from the flash tank. Flash tank 17 reduces the pressure at which the continuous back-pulse catalyst filter 9 must operate, thereby reducing the capital costs and complexity of the filter system. An oxygen source (e.g., an O₂-containing gas) may be introduced (e.g., sparged) into the flash tank 17 to further oxidize N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction mixture 7 that did not oxidize in the stirred tank reactor 3, as well as to further oxidize formaldehyde and formic acid by-products present in the reaction mixture. In this manner, the flash tank may 17 act as an additional oxidation reaction zone in series with the stirred tank reactor 3.

The continuous back-pulse filter system comprises a filter element and is preferably operated adiabatically, but may be provided with heating or cooling capability. Preferably, the liquid used to back-pulse the filter element and remove separated catalyst is a portion of the filtrate 13. The filtrate 13 is carried forward to concentrate and purify the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, while the recycle catalyst stream 11 is continuously withdrawn from the catalyst filter 9 and transferred to an optional catalyst holding tank 5 (also called a catalyst recycle tank or catalyst slurry tank) before the catalyst is reintroduced into stirred tank reactor 3.

Although the catalyst filter 9 in the oxidation reactor system shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A is preferably a continuous back-pulse filter, it should be recognized that continuous cross-flow filters are in some instances more preferred. The system depicted in FIG. 2B is similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A except that the catalyst filter 9 is placed within the external heat transfer recirculation loop 15 rather than in a separate catalyst recycle loop. In such an embodiment, catalyst filter 9 is preferably a continuous cross-flow filter. Typically, a pre-filter flash tank is not employed in conjunction with a cross-flow filter. Furthermore, due to the relatively large volume of the catalyst recycle stream 11 issuing from a continuous cross-flow filter, a catalyst holding tank is likewise typically omitted.

Aside from cross-flow and back-pulse filters, the catalyst filter 9 used in a continuous oxidation reactor system may alternatively be a vacuum filter or may comprise a bank of leaf filters used to treat a continuous flow of reaction mixture effluent 7 in staggered filtration cycles. As a further alternative, stirred tank reactor 3 may include an internal catalyst filter (e.g., a porous frit) which blocks the particulate catalyst from being withdrawn with the reaction mixture effluent 7 such that the catalyst is substantially retained within the oxidation reaction zone and the reaction mixture effluent is substantially free of the particulate catalyst. Moreover, it should be recognized that other means of catalyst separation may be used instead of (or in addition to) the catalyst filter 9. For example, the catalyst could be separated from the oxidation reaction mixture effluent using a centrifuge.

As the catalyst deactivates with use, it may be at least partially reactivated either continuously or intermittently. Reactivation may comprise reducing the surface of the catalyst after it has become heavily oxidized. In such an instance, the surface may, for example, be washed to remove the organics, and then reduced using the reduction treatments described above. Such a reducing treatment may comprise, for example, continuous or intermittent introduction of a reducing agent into the reactor system. For example, the reducing agent may comprise formaldehyde and/or formic acid and may often advantageously be obtained from various recycle streams described herein. Reactivation may also be achieved by, for example, introducing a supplemental promoter, especially bismuth oxide into the reactor system as described above. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a supplemental promoter (e.g., Bi₂O₃) is introduced continuously or intermittently into the continuous reactor system such that the concentration of formic acid in the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the last oxidation reaction zone is maintained at less than about 6000 ppm, more preferably from about 1000 ppm to about 3000 ppm. In accordance with an especially preferred practice of the present invention, the concentration of formic acid in the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the last oxidation reaction zone is monitored. Once the measured concentration exceeds about 6000 ppm, more preferably about 3000 ppm, even more preferably about 2000 ppm, continuous or intermittent introduction of a supplemental promoter into to the reactor system is initiated and continued until the concentration of formic acid in the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the last oxidation reaction zone begins to decline. Preferably, the rate of addition of the supplemental promoter to the reactor system is such that the concentration of formic acid in the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the last oxidation reaction zone continues to rise for a period of time after addition of a supplemental promoter to the system has commenced. In the case of Bi₂O₃ added to the reactor system as a supplemental promoter, the weight ratio of Bi₂O₃ to the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate fed to the system is from about 1:20,000,000 to about 1:200,000.

Although optional in the continuous oxidation reactor system shown in FIG. 2A, the catalyst holding tank 5 may be advantageous when a deeply reduced particulate catalyst is used because it provides a place for the catalyst mass to be uniformly reactivated. As shown in FIG. 2A, a reducing agent 18 and/or a supplemental promoter 19 may be introduced into the catalyst holding tank 5 containing recycled catalyst. The reducing agent and/or supplemental promoter may alternatively be added directly to the oxidation reaction zone(s) or introduced elsewhere into the reactor system. It should be further recognized that merely allowing the recycled catalyst to sit in the catalyst holding tank 5 with the residual reaction mixture may also beneficially reduce the catalyst surface (particularly a catalyst comprising carbon-supported noble metal). Preferably, the catalyst holding tank is substantially free of O₂ and other oxidizing gases. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to introduce (e.g., sparge) nitrogen or other non-oxidizing gas into the tank 5 to help remove O₂. Allowing the slurry of particulate catalyst and residual slurry to remain outside the oxidation reaction zone(s) in an environment substantially free of O₂ for a period of time before being reintroduced into the oxidation reaction zone(s) is believed to reduce the surface of the catalyst and achieve a degree of reactivation and extend the useful life of the catalyst. The catalyst holding tank or catalyst slurry tank 5 may have various configurations, but is typically a stirred tank in which the catalyst slurry comprising the particulate catalyst and residual reaction mixture is agitated with a rotating impeller to improve uniformity in the catalyst slurry by preventing the catalyst from settling to the bottom of the tank 5 and promote uniform reactivation of the catalyst as well. The residence time of the catalyst in the catalyst holding tank 5 may be adjusted by adjusting the catalyst slurry volume in the catalyst holding tank relative to the working volume of reaction medium within the oxidation reaction zone(s). Longer catalyst residence times in the catalyst holding tank 5 are generally beneficial to catalyst performance. However, since longer residence times require a larger catalyst inventory in the reactor system, the benefits of longer residence times must be weighed against the increased catalyst costs, which may become significant, especially in the case of a catalyst comprising a carbon-supported noble metal. Preferably, the residence time of the recycled catalyst in the catalyst holding tank is at least about 2 minutes, more preferably at least about 5 minutes, even more preferably from about 5 to about 40 minutes.

Reduced losses of noble metal may be observed with this invention if a sacrificial reducing agent is maintained or introduced into the reaction solution. Suitable reducing agents include formaldehyde, formic acid, and acetaldehyde. Most preferably, formic acid, formaldehyde, or mixtures thereof (e.g., obtained from the various recycle streams described herein) are used.

Catalyst (e.g., catalyst having diminished activity and/or selectivity) may also be continuously or intermittently purged from the continuous oxidation reactor system via catalyst purge stream 20, and replaced with fresh catalyst via the fresh catalyst feed stream 21. When intermittently purging the catalyst, the entire catalyst mass may be purged from the process at the same time (which is typically the more preferred method), or a fraction of the catalyst mass may be purged at various time increments. In other words, intermittent purging includes any repeated purging of catalyst that is not continuous.

In accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the continuous oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the presence of a particulate heterogenous catalyst slurry is staged in two or more substantially back-mixed oxidation reaction zones (i.e., back-mixed in at least the liquid phase) operated in series. A combination of two or more back-mixed oxidation reaction zones in series is advantageous because such a reactor system tends to behave more like a plug flow reactor, producing fewer by-products and improving the yield of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Moreover, the combination of two or more reaction zones provides the ability to vary reaction conditions in accord with the prevailing reaction kinetics at different stages of the oxidation reaction. The second and subsequent oxidation reaction zone(s) may provide further conversion of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and/or oxidation of C₁ by-products (e.g., formaldehyde and formic acid).

The oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate behaves approximately as a zero order reaction with respect to the substrate concentration until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration decreases to no greater than about 4.5% by weight, more typically to no greater than about 2.7% by weight, even more typically from about 0.4% to about 1.8% by weight, still even more typically from about 0.4% to about 1.3% by weight, and still yet even more typically no greater than about 1% by weight. Where, for example, the substrate concentration in the aqueous feed to the first reaction zone is about 9% by weight, the reaction will tend to behave approximately as a zero order reaction with respect to the substrate until at least about 50%, more typically at least about 70%, even more typically from about 80% to about 95%, and still even more typically from about 85% to about 95% of the substrate has been consumed. At that point, the oxidation rate becomes a stronger function of the substrate concentration (i.e., the oxidation approaches first order behavior with respect to the substrate concentration), and consequently tends to decrease as the substrate concentration further decreases. As the oxidation rate becomes a stronger function of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration, the oxidation of the substrate tends to be slower than the simultaneous oxidation reactions of the formaldehyde and formic acid by-products.

By utilizing a continuous oxidation reactor system comprising two or more oxidation reaction zones in series, the residence time and/or oxygen feed in the first reaction zone may be controlled so that the reaction in the first reaction zone substantially behaves as a zero-order reaction with respect to the substrate concentration (i.e., the residence time in the first reactor may be controlled so that the conversion of substrate in the first reactor is sufficient to form a reaction mixture having a substrate concentration of no greater than about 4.5% by weight, more preferably no greater than about 2.7% by weight, even more preferably from about 0.4% to about 1.8% by weight, still even more preferably from about 0.4% to about 1.3% by weight, and still yet even more preferably about 1% by weight). This reaction mixture may then be transferred to the second and any subsequent reaction zones, wherein the reaction behaves substantially as a first-order reaction with respect to the substrate concentration. In this manner, the reactor configuration and/or reaction conditions (e.g., catalyst type, average catalyst age, catalyst concentration, oxygen concentration, temperature, pressure, etc.) can be precisely controlled independently in each reaction zone to optimize the stages of the reaction and the oxidation of the formaldehyde and formic acid by-products.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred continuous oxidation reactor system in accordance with the present invention comprising two back-mixed oxidation reaction zones staged in series. The back-mixed oxidation reaction zones are preferably provided by two continuous stirred tank reactors 3 and 40. An aqueous feed stream 1 containing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously or intermittently introduced into the first stirred tank reactor 3 along with an oxygen source, preferably an O₂-containing gas. The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized in the first stirred tank reactor 3 in the presence of the heterogeneous particulate catalyst to form an intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41 comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate which is continuously or intermittently withdrawn from the first stirred tank reactor 3. An intermediate aqueous feed stream 42 comprising (a) N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41; and (b) unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, which is also, at least in part, from the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41, is then introduced into the second stirred tank reactor 40. Typically, additional oxygen is also introduced into the second stirred tank reactor 40, preferably also in the form of an O₂-containing gas. In the second stirred tank reactor 40, additional N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized in the presence of the heterogeneous particulate catalyst to form a final reaction mixture effluent 45 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The headspace above the reaction mixture within the stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 is vented to remove vapor comprising CO₂ from the oxidation reaction zones as the oxidation reaction proceeds.

Although the intermediate aqueous feed stream 42 is shown in FIG. 3 as comprising the entire intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41, it should be recognized that in some embodiments of the present invention, the intermediate aqueous feed stream 42 will contain less than the entire intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41. For example, the particulate heterogenous catalyst may be partially or entirely removed from the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41, as described below (FIGS. 5 and 6). Furthermore, it should be understood that the first and second oxidation reaction zones do not have to be contained within separate stirred tank reactor vessels 3 and 40 as shown in FIG. 3. Multiple oxidation reaction zones may be staged in series and contained within a single reactor vessel divided into compartments or provided with baffles or other means for separating one reaction zone from another.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the particulate catalyst flows from the reaction zone in the first stirred tank reactor 3 to the reaction zone in the second stirred tank reactor 40. Preferably, the particulate catalyst is the above-described deeply reduced oxidation catalyst. The catalyst is continuously or intermittently introduced into the first stirred tank reactor 3 via catalyst feed stream 39. As shown in FIG. 3, the catalyst feed stream 39 is part of the aqueous feed stream 1 containing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. Catalyst is continuously or intermittently withdrawn from the first stirred tank reactor 3 as part of the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41, continuously or intermittently introduced into the second stirred tank reactor 40 as part of the intermediate aqueous feed stream 42 and finally continuously or intermittently withdrawn from the second stirred tank reactor 40 as part of the final reaction mixture effluent 45. The final reaction mixture effluent 45 is optionally depressurized in flash tank 17 and transferred to catalyst filter 9. In the catalyst filter 9, substantially all of the particulate catalyst is separated from the final reaction mixture effluent 45 to form (1) a catalyst recycle stream 11 comprising essentially all the catalyst and a residual amount of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the final reaction mixture 45; and (2) a filtrate 13 comprising the bulk of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the final reaction mixture 45. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the catalyst filter 9 is preferably a continuous back-pulse filter system in order to minimize the volume of the catalyst recycle stream and preserve the staging effect in the reactor system. The catalyst recycle stream 11 is directed to the catalyst holding tank 5 and reintroduced into the first stirred tank reactor 3 via catalyst feed stream 39, while the filtrate 13 is carried forward to concentrate and purify the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. As the catalyst deactivates with use, it may be at least partially reactivated as described above by continuously or intermittently contacting the particulate catalyst with a reducing agent 18 (e.g., in the catalyst holding tank 5) and/or introducing a supplemental promoter 19 into the process (e.g., into the catalyst holding tank 5 and/or directly into the first and/or second stirred tank reactors 3 and 40). Catalyst may be continuously or intermittently purged from the system through the catalyst purge stream 20 and replenished with fresh catalyst through catalyst feed stream 21.

During startup the reactor system in FIG. 3, the catalyst feed stream 39 and/or the aqueous feed stream 1 introduced to the first stirred tank reactor 3 may be heated to obtain the desired temperature in the oxidation reaction zones. During steady state or quasi-steady state operations, exothermic reaction heat is ordinarily sufficient to bring feed materials to the desired reaction temperature, and excess reaction heat is removed from the liquid reaction medium in the first reactor 3 via a heat exchanger 16 in external heat transfer recirculation loop 15. The reaction temperature is controlled by, for example, controlling the supply of cooling water to heat exchanger 15 in response to the signal from a temperature controller. Similarly, the temperature of the liquid reaction medium in the second oxidation reaction zone in reactor 40 may be controlled by the rate of heat removal via heat exchanger 48 in the external heat transfer recirculation loop 47 associated with the second reactor. However, the second oxidation reaction zone may be operated without the heat transfer loop 47 or other means for removing reaction heat (i.e., operated adiabatically). For example, in some instances, the incremental conversion of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and the extant oxidation of formaldehyde and formic acid are so limited in the second stirred tank reactor 40 that the heat evolved from the oxidation reactions does not necessitate cooling of the reaction mixture. Where it is desired to complete the reaction in the second reactor 40 at a temperature higher than the temperature prevailing in the first reactor 3, the autogenous heat of reaction in the second reactor may contribute all or part of the heat necessary to raise the temperature of the aqueous feed stream 42 and maintain the desired difference in temperature between the first reactor and the second reactor.

The temperature of the reaction medium within the second stirred tank reactor 40 is preferably maintained high enough with respect to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration such that essentially all of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the final reaction mixture effluent 45 withdrawn from the second reactor remains dissolved. Optionally, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product precipitated in the final reaction mixture effluent 45 may be separated with the particulate catalyst as part of the catalyst recycle stream 11. It should be recognized that the temperature of the reaction mixture within the stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 can vary from reactor to reactor. For example, since the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41 is not filtered and also contains a lower concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product than does the final reaction mixture effluent 45, the temperature of the reaction mixture within the first stirred tank reactor 3 can typically be somewhat lower than the preferred operating temperature of the reaction mixture in the second stirred tank reactor 40. Preferably, the first stirred tank reactor 3 is operated at a temperature of from about 80° C. to about 120° C., more preferably from about 85° C. to about 110° C. and still even more preferably from about 95° C. to about 100° C., while the second stirred tank reactor 40 is preferably operated at a temperature of from about 80° C. to about 120° C., more preferably from about 85° C. to about 110° C. and even more preferably from about 100° C. to about 105° C. Operating the first stirred tank reactor 3 at a lower temperature is often advantageous to reduce the rate of formation of N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine which increases at higher temperatures.

The total pressure in the first and second stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 is preferably maintained high enough to prevent the liquid reaction medium in the oxidation reaction zones from boiling and is generally from about 0 to about 500 psig. Typically, the total pressure in the stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 is from about 30 to about 500 psig. When maintaining the temperature of the reaction mixture in the first and second oxidation reaction zones within the preferred temperature ranges disclosed above, the total pressure maintained within the first and second stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 is preferably from about 30 to about 130 psig and more preferably from about 90 to about 110 psig.

The oxygen partial pressure may vary in different regions of the oxidation reaction zones. Preferably, the oxygen partial pressure in the headspace above the liquid reaction medium in stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 is from about 0.1 to about 35 psia, more preferably from about 1 to about 10 psia.

Particularly where the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl) iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed stream 1 (which includes the catalyst recycle stream 11 and any other recycle streams from other parts of the process) is from about 7 to about 12% by weight, and even more particularly is about 9% by weight, it is typically preferred for the residence time in the first stirred tank reactor 3 to be such that the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate conversion to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the first oxidation reaction zone is at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 70%, even more preferably from about 80% to about 95%, still even more preferably from about 85% to about 95%, and most preferably about 90%. The residence time necessary to achieve the desired degree of conversion will vary with the oxidation reaction conditions employed in the first stirred tank reactor 3. Typically, the residence time in the first stirred tank reactor 3 is from about 5 to about 50 minutes, preferably from about 10 to about 30 minutes, even more preferably from about 14 to about 24 minutes and still even more preferably about 20 minutes. The residence time in the second stirred tank reactor 40 is typically from about 1 to about 50 minutes, more preferably from about 1 to about 30 minutes, more preferably from about 3 to about 20 minutes, more preferably from about 6 to about 20 minutes, still even more preferably from about 6 to about 12 minutes and still yet even more preferably about 8 minutes. The residence time in the first stirred tank reactor 3 is defined relative to the flowrate of the intermediate reaction mixture 41 and the working volume of the reactor. The residence time in the second stirred tank reactor 40 is defined relative to the flowrate of the final reaction mixture effluent 45 and the working volume of the reactor Conversion achieved at a given residence time tends to decrease as the catalyst activity decreases with use, requiring fortification of catalyst activity by reactivation or charging the system with fresh catalyst or an increasing the O₂ feed rate.

Preferably, the ratio of the working volume of liquid reaction medium in the first stirred tank reactor 3 to the working volume of the liquid reaction medium in the second stirred tank reactor 40 is greater than 1, more preferably greater than 1 and up to about 10, even more preferably from about 1.1 to about 5, and still even more preferably from about 1.1 to about 2.5.

Normally, when the continuous reactor system comprises two stirred tank reactors in series, the total oxygen feed introduced to the continuous reactor system (i.e., the combined oxygen feed to both stirred tank reactors 3 and 40) and the amount of the total oxygen feed apportioned to each of the stirred tank reactors are adjusted to affect the yield and quality of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. In one embodiment, the total oxygen introduced to the continuous reactor system per mole of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed stream 1 introduced to the first stirred tank reactor 3 is varied to control the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the final reaction mixture effluent 45 withdrawn from the second stirred tank reactor 40. The concentration of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the final reaction mixture 45 is generally minimized to avoid excessive yield losses. Preferably, the concentration of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is no greater than about 2000 ppm in the final reaction mixture effluent. However, the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the final reaction mixture effluent 45 should remain sufficiently high to inhibit the rate at which the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product oxidizes to form aminomethylphosphonic acid. The rate of aminomethylphosphonic acid formation is apparently inversely proportional to the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration. Moreover, it is believed that the presence of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate may inhibit over-oxidation of the catalyst and extend the catalyst life. Accordingly, it is preferred that the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the final reaction mixture effluent 45 be maintained within a range of from about 200 to about 2000 ppm, more preferably from about 500 to about 1500 ppm, and most preferably about 500 to about 700 ppm by weight. Typically, a suitable concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the final reaction mixture 45 is obtained when the total oxygen introduced to the continuous reactor system is from about 0.5 to about 5, more preferably from about 1 to about 3, still more preferably from about 1.5 to about 2.5 moles of O₂ per mole of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed stream 1 introduced to the first stirred tank reactor 3.

In addition, the apportionment of the total oxygen feed to the continuous reactor system between stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 is selected to reduce the quantity of by-products in the final reaction mixture effluent 45. The proportion of the total oxygen feed to the continuous reactor system introduced into the first stirred tank reactor 3 is from about 10% to about 95%, more preferably from about 30% to about 95%, still more preferably from 50% to about 95% and most preferably from about 70% to about 90% with the remaining portion of the total oxygen feed being introduced into the second stirred tank reactor 40.

In the practice of the present invention, the concentration of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and/or oxidation by-products in the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41 withdrawn from the first stirred tank reactor 3 and/or in the final reaction mixture effluent 45 withdrawn from the second stirred tank reactor 40 may be measured. Based on these measurements, the total oxygen feed to the continuous reactor system and/or the apportionment of the total oxygen feed between the first and second stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 may be adjusted to beneficially affect the yield and quality of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The concentration of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and/or oxidation by-products can be measured using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of stream samples. In addition, an in-line FTIR spectrometer may be used to provide real time compositional analysis of the reactor effluent streams and this data used in adjusting the oxygen feed practice in the continuous reactor system. In-line use of infrared spectroscopy to measure concentrations of analytes in oxidation reaction mixtures such as those prepared in accordance with the present invention for use in process control and endpoint detection are described in a U.S. provisional patent application No. ______ entitled “Use of Infrared Spectroscopy for On-Line Process Control and Endpoint Detection” (Attorney Reference MTC 6767; 39-21(51882)), filed on May 22, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Normally, when the continuous reactor system comprises two continuous stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 in series, the oxygen feed rate to the first reaction zone is preferably from about 0.5 to about 10, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 5, still more preferably from about 1.0 to about 4.0 moles of O₂ per mole of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate contained in the aqueous feed stream 1 introduced into the first reactor 3. The oxygen feed rate into the second reaction zone is preferably from about 0.5 to about 10, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 5, still more preferably from about 2 to about 4 moles of O₂ per mole of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate contained in the feed stream to the second reaction zone.

Where the process uses two stirred tank reactors in series, the molar ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the first reactor is preferably maintained such that the molar rate of oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is at least about 10, more preferably at least about 20, even more preferably at least about 100, still even more preferably at least about 150, and most preferably at least about 200 times as fast as the molar rate of oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

Various alternatives to the flow scheme shown in FIG. 3 may be used to circulate the particulate heterogenous catalyst through the back-mixed oxidation reaction zones within the continuous reactor system. Examples of such alternative flow schemes are shown in FIGS. 4-6. In each of the flow schemes shown in FIGS. 3-7, the catalyst age may be maintained within a desirable range or controlled near a specific level by continuously or intermittently adding fresh catalyst into the catalyst recycle stream(s) or directly into either of the reaction zones. Such catalyst age may optionally be further controlled by also continuously or intermittently purging a portion of the catalyst from the catalyst recycle stream(s). Often, the amount of purged catalyst is equal to the amount of fresh catalyst added to the system. Intermittent purging and adding of catalyst includes any repeated purging and adding of catalyst which is not continuous. For example, intermittent purging and adding includes periodic withdrawal of catalyst from a catalyst recycle stream, with addition of fresh catalyst at a point downstream of the withdrawal point within a catalyst recirculation loop. Intermittent purging and adding also includes, for example, withdrawing all the catalyst from fewer than all the reaction zones at one time, and then adding an entirely fresh batch of catalyst to fewer than all the reaction zones. Intermittent purging and adding further includes, for example, withdrawing all the catalyst from the continuous reactor system at the same time and then adding an entirely fresh batch of catalyst (e.g., once the production of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the reactor system has reached a predetermined target value based on the calculated useful life of the catalyst load or once the catalyst activity has declined to an extent that economical operation is impaired). The latter method is typically more preferred. This stems from, for example, the fact that it is often difficult to stabilize the system when only portions of the catalyst load are purged and added at a given time. It is also, for example, difficult to analyze any modification (e.g., new improvements) to a catalyst without first removing all the unmodified catalyst. It should be further noted that at startup of the continuous oxidation reactor system, it may be advantageous to operate the system for a time with significantly less than the design catalyst loading (e.g., 75% of the design catalyst loading) and then to incrementally charge additional catalyst to the system to arrive at an optimal catalyst loading at the prevailing operating conditions.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment which provides more flexibility by allowing the catalyst loading into the first and second stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 to be manipulated so that a desired greater catalyst loading may be maintained in the second stirred tank reactor 40 to at least partially compensate for the reduced N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration driving force that is typically present due to the lower substrate concentration in the second reaction zone. Catalyst is continuously or intermittently introduced into the first stirred tank reactor 3 via catalyst feed stream 39. The catalyst is then continuously or intermittently withdrawn from the first stirred tank reactor 3 as part of the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41, continuously or intermittently introduced into the second stirred tank reactor 40 as part of the intermediate aqueous feed stream 42, and finally intermittently or continuously withdrawn from the second stirred tank reactor 40 as part of the final aqueous reaction mixture 45. The catalyst is then essentially removed from the final aqueous reaction mixture 45 by catalyst filter 9 to form (1) a catalyst recycle stream 11 comprising essentially all the catalyst and a residual amount of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the final aqueous reaction mixture 45; and (2) a filtrate 13 comprising the bulk of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the final aqueous reaction mixture 45. The catalyst recycle stream 11 is divided into the catalyst feed stream 39 and an intermediate catalyst feed stream 50. The catalyst feed stream 39 is recycled back to the first stirred tank reactor 3, while the intermediate catalyst feed stream 50 is recycled back to the second stirred tank reactor 40. Preferably, the catalyst is continuously or intermittently purged from the continuous reactor system through, for example, the catalyst purge stream 51 and/or catalyst purge stream 53, and replenished through, for example, catalyst feed stream 55 and/or catalyst feed stream 57. Catalyst could alternatively or additionally be purged from catalyst recycle stream 11, and likewise fresh catalyst could alternatively or additionally be added to catalyst recycle stream 11 prior to dividing recycle stream 11 into recycle catalyst streams 39 and 50. The catalyst may also be at least partially reactivated as described above by intermittently or continuously introducing a reducing agent and/or a supplemental promoter into the continuous reactor system, particularly where the catalyst comprises the deeply reduced catalyst described above. The reducing agent and/or supplemental promoter may be introduced, for example, in the catalyst recycle streams 11, 39 and/or 50. Such reactivation may optionally be conducted in one or more catalyst holding tanks (not shown).

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment wherein each oxidation reaction zone utilizes its own independent particulate catalyst mass. In such an embodiment, an aqueous feed stream 1 comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is fed into the first stirred tank reactor 3, wherein it is continuously oxidized in the presence of the first catalyst mass to form an intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41. This intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41 is filtered in catalyst filter 9 a to separate essentially all the first catalyst mass from the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41 and form (1) a first catalyst recycle stream 11 a comprising essentially all the catalyst from the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41; and (2) an intermediate aqueous feed stream 60, the filtrate from the filter 9 a, comprising the bulk of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid from the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41. The first catalyst recycle stream 11 a is fed back into the first stirred tank reactor 3 via catalyst feed stream 39 a, while the intermediate aqueous feed stream 60 is introduced into the second stirred tank reactor 40, wherein further continuous oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate (and C₁ molecules, such as formaldehyde and formic acid) takes place in the presence of a second particulate catalyst mass to form the final reaction mixture effluent 45. The final reaction mixture 45, after optional depressurization in a flash tank 17 b, is filtered in catalyst filter 9 b to separate the second catalyst mass from the final aqueous reaction mixture 45 and form (1) a catalyst recycle stream 11 b comprising essentially all the catalyst from the final aqueous reaction mixture 45; and (2) a filtrate 13 comprising the bulk of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the final aqueous reaction mixture 45. The catalyst recycle stream 11 b is then fed back into the second stirred tank reactor 40 via catalyst feed stream 39 b. Preferably, the catalyst mass utilized in the first stirred tank reactor 3 is continuously or intermittently purged through the catalyst purge stream 20 a, and replenished through catalyst feed stream 21 a. Likewise, the catalyst mass utilized in the second stirred tank reactor 40 is preferably continuously or intermittently purged through the catalyst purge stream 20 b, and replenished through catalyst feed stream 21 b. The particulate catalyst masses for the first and second stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 may also be at least partially reactivated, as described above, by continuously or intermittently introducing a reducing agent 18 a and 18 b and/or a supplemental promoter 19 a and 19 b into the respective catalyst holding tanks 5 a and 5 b or at other locations in the continuous reactor system. For example, the supplemental promoter may also be added directly to one or both of the stirred tank reactors 3 and 40.

The catalyst recycle scheme shown in FIG. 5 is advantageous because it provides flexibility for independently manipulating the catalyst type, age, and loading in each reaction zone. For example, the catalyst employed in the first stirred tank reactor 3 may be tailored to obtain high conversion of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate under the selected operating conditions in the first oxidation reaction zone, while the catalyst employed in the second stirred tank reactor 40 may be optimized for improved oxidation of formaldehyde and formic acid by-products and minimal over-oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Also, two filter reactor systems, such as the one shown in FIG. 5, can tolerate a filter that generates a catalyst recycle stream that is less concentrated than the desired concentration in a single filter reactor system, such as the system shown in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, the benefits of a younger catalyst can be greater in one reaction zone versus another. For example, the effects of an aging catalyst in the first reaction zone (where the bulk of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate normally is oxidized) may, in some embodiments, not be as detrimental as the effects of an aging catalyst in the second reaction zone, and the effects of fresh catalyst may likewise be greater in the second reaction zone than in the first reaction zone. This may be true, for example, in embodiments where the bulk of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized in the first reaction zone, and the resulting low substrate concentration in the second reaction zone causes a slower reaction rate. In such an instance, it may be sometimes preferable to use a reactor system having a flow scheme like the one shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, catalyst from the particulate catalyst mass utilized in the second stirred tank reactor 40 may be continuously or intermittently purged from the catalyst recycle stream 11 b via stream 65 and introduced into the first stirred tank reactor 3 via the catalyst recycle stream 11 a, thereby extending the useful life of the catalyst in the overall process. Such a scheme is particularly advantageous where the catalyst comprises a costly material, such as a noble metal. Normally, in this embodiment, fresh catalyst is introduced only into the second reaction zone via catalyst feed stream 21 b, while catalyst is purged from the process only from the first reaction zone via catalyst purge stream 20 a. The average catalyst age (i.e., cumulative time that the catalyst has been used to catalyze the oxidation reaction) in the second stirred tank reactor 40 is preferably from about 20 to about 65% of the average age of the catalyst utilized in the first stirred tank reactor 3. The average amount of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product produced per pound of catalyst in the second stirred tank reactor 40 preferably is from about 5 to about 30% the average amount of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product produced per pound of catalyst in the first stirred tank reactor 3.

It should be recognized that in some embodiments, it is more preferable to recycle the catalyst in the opposite direction as that shown in FIG. 6 (i.e., the catalyst flows co-currently with the substrate). In those instances, fresh catalyst is continuously or intermittently introduced into the first reaction zone, catalyst from the particulate catalyst mass utilized in the first stirred tank reactor 40 is continuously or intermittently purged from the catalyst recycle stream 11 a and continuously or intermittently transferred to the second reaction zone and catalyst in the second reaction zone is continuously or intermittently purged from the reactor system. In such an embodiment, the average catalyst age in the first stirred tank reactor 3 is preferably from about 33 to about 80% of the average age of the catalyst in the second stirred tank reactor 40. The average amount of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product produced per pound of catalyst consumed in the first stirred tank reactor 3 preferably is from about 75 to about 90% the average amount of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product produced per pound of catalyst consumed in the second stirred tank reactor 40.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, either external heat transfer recirculation loop 15 or 47 may also be a catalyst recycle loop in the same manner as shown in FIG. 2B, rather than being independent of the catalyst recycle streams 11 a or 11 b, respectively. For such a combined loop, the catalyst filters 9 a and 9 b are preferably continuous cross-flow filters.

In processes including operating two oxidation reaction zones in series, particularly two stirred tank reactors 3 and 40 in series, it is desirable to achieve a high rate of mass transfer in the first oxidation reaction zone. Therefore, it is preferred to introduce the O₂-containing gas, preferably a gas containing at least about 95 mole % O₂, typically about 98 mole % O₂, directly into the reaction mixture in the first stirred tank reactor 3 through a sparger located just below or near the impeller and also to minimize the back-mixing of gases to maximize the oxygen concentration driving force for high mass transfer in the first oxidation reaction zone. For equivalent pressures and oxygen conversion, the average oxygen spatial concentration is expected to be higher in reaction environments with minimal gas phase back-mixing. Near the sparger, for example, the oxygen partial pressure in the undissolved gases is normally greater than in other regions in the reactor, such as near the interface between the liquid reaction medium and the headspace. However, in the second reaction zone, where the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration is typically much lower, mass transfer demands and the need for a high oxygen concentration driving force are considerably less. Thus, back-mixing of gases is more easily tolerated in the second oxidation reaction zone and, in some instances, is preferred. The deeply reduced noble-metal-on-carbon catalyst preferred in the practice of the present invention is more susceptible to over-oxidation in reaction environments having pockets of high oxygen partial pressures in the undissolved gases, especially at low concentrations of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate such as those encountered in the second oxidation reaction zone. By back-mixing the gas phase in the liquid reaction medium within the second reaction zone, average oxygen spatial concentration is decreased and the stability of such a catalyst is enhanced.

Various reactor modifications may be employed to maintain a more uniform low oxygen partial pressure in the undissolved gases in the reaction mixture contained in the second reaction zone. One preferred alternative is to select an impeller system for the second stirred tank reactor 40 that is adapted to provide a high rate of gas induction from the headspace interface into the reaction mixture such as A340 up-pumping axial flow impeller system available from Lightnin (Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A.). Such an impeller system draws gas from the headspace into the liquid reaction mixture so that the difference between the oxygen partial pressure of the gas being drawn into the liquid reacting medium and the oxygen partial pressure of the headspace gas is reduced, thereby lowering the average oxygen spatial concentration in the undissolved gases in the reaction mixture. In addition, the second stirred tank reactor 40 may be modified so that the O₂-containing gas is fed into the headspace above the reaction mixture rather than being sparged directly into the liquid reaction mixture. This will even further reduce the occurrence of pockets of high oxygen concentration. Alternatively, the average oxygen spatial concentration may be reduced, by introducing the headspace gas within the second stirred tank reactor 40 into the liquid reaction mixture through the impeller. A commercially available example of such an impeller system including a hollow shaft for gas transport is the DISPERSIMAX system, sold by Autoclave France (Nogent-sur-Oise Cedex, France). Another possibility is to decrease the O₂ concentration in the O₂-containing gas introduced into the second stirred tank reactor 40 (e.g., air may be used as the oxygen source supplied to the second oxidation reaction zone).

In a further modification, the second continuous stirred tank reactor 40 is replaced by an ejector nozzle loop reactor. A schematic diagram of such a reactor is shown in FIG. 7. Here, an aqueous feed stream 901 comprising at least a portion of the intermediate aqueous reaction mixture 41 withdrawn from the first oxidation reaction zone is pumped into inlet 903 and ejected through a nozzle 907 into a mixing chamber 909 into which an O₂-containing gas is also introduced via inlet 911 (i.e., the O₂-containing gas is introduced into the throat of the venturi nozzle 907). This creates a high mass transfer coefficient for oxygen transfer into the aqueous feed 901. Because of this high oxygen mass transfer coefficient and the high agitation within the reactor vessel 913 caused by the nozzle 907, the average oxygen spatial concentration in the undissolved gases in the liquid reaction mixture 915 is low. The reaction mixture effluent 917 is withdrawn from an outlet 919 near the bottom of the reactor vessel 913, cooled in a heat exchanger 921, and filtered by catalyst filter 922, preferably a cross-flow filter. Catalyst separated from the reaction mixture effluent 917 is recirculated back to the reactor 913 via catalyst recycle stream 923 using a pump 925. The filtrate 927, which contains the bulk of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, is forwarded to be purified and/or concentrated in additional steps. Operation and design of ejector nozzle loop reactors is described by van Dierendonck, et al. in “Loop Venturi Reactor-A Feasible Alternative to Stirred Tank Reactors?”, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 37, 734-738 (1998), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A commercially available example of an ejector nozzle loop reactor is the BUSS loop reactor sold by Kvaerner Buss CPS (Pratteln, Switzerland). It should be understood that in addition to providing a second or subsequent oxidation reaction zone in a continuous reactor system comprising multiple oxidation reaction zones in series, an ejector nozzle loop reactor could likewise suitably provide the first oxidation reaction zone. The oxidation reaction conditions and operating parameters for an ejector nozzle loop reactor are similar to those described above for oxidation reaction zones provided by stirred tank reactors.

Much of the preceding discussion has focused on continuous reactor systems utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry and comprising at least two stirred tank reactors in series providing oxidation reaction zones substantially back-mixed in at least the liquid phase. However, it should be recognized that reactor configurations other than stirred tank reactors may be equally or more suitable than stirred tank reactors for one or more of the oxidation reaction zones or could be used in combination with multiple stirred tank reactor stages. Furthermore, many such alternative reactor configurations are likewise suitable for use in continuous reactor systems including a single oxidation reaction zone. One of the disadvantages of a continuous reactor system including one or more stirred tank reactors utilizing a particulate catalyst slurry is the capital and operating cost associated with a catalyst recycle mechanism including a catalyst filter or other catalyst separation means necessary to recover the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Accordingly, reactor configurations in which the catalyst can remain in the oxidation reaction zone may provide an economic advantage in some applications. Two examples of such reactor configurations are fixed catalyst bed reactors and fluidized bed reactors. A further advantage of fixed bed reactors and fluidized bed reactors is that they can be operated in a manner to exhibit plug flow characteristics which tends to produce lower concentrations of undesirable byproducts (e.g., N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine), and, consequently, a greater N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product yield.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a fixed bed reactor 500 in accord with one embodiment of the present invention. Disposed within the reactor 500 is a primary oxidation reaction zone comprising a primary fixed bed 501 containing an oxidation catalyst, preferably the deeply reduced catalyst described above. A fixed bed support 502 is preferably positioned within the reactor 500 to provide an upper chamber 503 and a lower chamber 504 above and below the fixed bed 501, respectively. An aqueous feed stream 505 comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously or intermittently introduced into the upper chamber 503 and distributed over the fixed bed 501 by spray nozzles 506 or other conventional liquid distribution system. An O₂-containing gas is likewise introduced into the upper chamber 503. As the O₂-containing gas flows cocurrently through the fixed bed 501 with the descending flow of liquid reaction mixture, the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is continuously oxidized. A primary reactor effluent 507 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is withdrawn from the lower chamber 504 along with a vapor stream comprising CO₂.

Although downward, cocurrent flow of the liquid reaction mixture and the O₂-containing gas through the fixed bed 501 is shown in FIG. 8, it should be understood that various flow combinations are possible. For example, the aqueous feed stream 505 and the O₂-containing gas could be introduced into the lower chamber 504 of the reactor 500 and flow cocurrently, upward through the fixed bed 501. Alternatively, the liquid reaction mixture and the O₂-containing gas can flow countercurrently through the fixed bed 501, the O₂-containing gas being introduced into the lower chamber 504 and the aqueous feed stream 505 being introduced into the upper chamber 503 or vice versa.

The temperature within the oxidation reaction zone of the fixed bed reactor 500 is preferably in the range of from about 20° C. to about 180° C., more preferably from about 60° C. to about 140° C., still more preferably from about 80° C. to about 130° C., and yet still more preferably from about 90° C. to about 120° C. Although the reaction system may optionally be operated adiabatically, adverse effects on the catalyst or undue formation of by-products may result from excessive temperatures encountered in adiabatic operation within a primary oxidation reaction zone (i.e., a reaction zone into which a substantial fraction of unconverted substrate is introduced). Where the substrate is of limited solubility (e.g., N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid), a temperature of at least the saturation temperature is preferably maintained at the reactor inlet in order to prevent substrate solids from being deposited in the bed. However, effect on by-product formation and catalyst deterioration require that the maximum temperature be maintained within the ranges outlined above. As a practical matter, this limits the extent of conversion of substrate that may be achieved in an adiabatic fixed bed to not greater than about 10% by weight on a total reaction mixture basis, preferably not greater than about 7%, more typically in the range of about 3% to about 5%. Where the substrate is a salt, the conversion is not constrained by solubility of substrate, but is still limited in the aforementioned range by effects on catalyst and by-product formation.

To achieve a more substantial conversion in a single fixed bed, exothermic reaction heat must be removed from the reaction system. Although the reaction zone as such may be operated adiabatically, heat must be removed from somewhere in the reaction system so that the difference in unit weight sensible heat content between the reaction mixture and the aqueous feed stream is maintained at a value less than the exothermic reaction heat generated in the reaction zone per unit weight of the aqueous feed stream. As described below, measures to remove reaction heat may include cooling the reaction zone, or introducing a cooled recirculation stream with the aqueous feed mixture. By applying cooling in such manner, the conversion expressed as the difference between reaction mixture composition and feed composition may be increased to above 10% or even above 15%. Where the substrate and products are water-soluble salts, the conversion can be increased to 20%, 30%, or even 50%.

Controlling the temperature within the oxidation reaction zone of a fixed bed reactor is typically more difficult as compared to temperature control in a back-mixed reactor system. As shown in FIG. 8, primary reactor effluent 507 may be divided into a primary product fraction 508 and a recirculation fraction 509 which is cooled externally of the reaction zone and returned to the inlet of reactor. Typically at least about 5%, preferably at least about 33%, more preferably from about 50% to about 90%, and even more preferably from about 60% to about 80% of the primary reactor effluent 507 exiting the reactor is diverted to recirculation fraction. Expressed another way, the ratio of the volumetric flow rate of the recirculation fraction 509 to the volumetric flow rate of the primary reaction product fraction 508 is typically at least about 0.05:1, preferably at least about 0.5:1, more preferably from about 1:1 to about 10:1, and most preferably from about 1.5:1 to about 5:1. The recirculation fraction is cooled externally of the fixed bed before it is returned to the reactor, cooling being effected in a heat exchanger 510. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the primary reaction mixture exiting the reactor is divided into a primary product fraction and recirculation fraction and the product fraction removed before the recirculation fraction is passed through the heat exchanger. This alternative may be advantageous in certain embodiments, for example, where the primary product fraction contains unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate or by-product C₁ compounds which are to be oxidized in a further reaction zone. In addition this flow scheme may be advantageous if the primary product fraction is evaporated (e.g., to concentrate and recover the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product). In an alternative shown in FIG. 8, it may be preferable to produce a cooled product fraction by passing the entire primary reaction mixture, or substantially the entire primary reaction mixture through an external heat exchanger such as that illustrated at 510, and thereafter dividing the cooled primary reaction mixture stream into a recirculation stream and a cooled primary fraction. Throughout the Figures, dashed lines with directional arrowheads indicate optional, alternative or additional streams.

The cooled recirculation fraction 509 and the aqueous feed stream 505 are mixed to produce a combined inlet stream for the primary reaction zone. Due to the reaction, the recirculation fraction is relatively depleted in N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, a factor which can be exploited to maximize productivity by introducing an aqueous feed mixture having a high substrate content, including substrate concentrations in excess of the solubility limit of the substrate in the aqueous phase of the feed mixture. Because the recirculation fraction is relatively depleted in substrate, the effect of mixing is to produce a combined inlet stream which has a significantly lower substrate content than the aqueous feed mixture. This dilution effect allows the feed mixture to be much more concentrated than would otherwise be possible. For example, the feed mixture may comprise a slurry of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid in a saturated, or substantially saturated aqueous solution thereof, which might otherwise tend to cause plugging of the fixed catalyst bed. Mixing with the recirculation fraction reduces the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid content sufficiently to dissolve the slurry solids and provide a combined inlet stream that is substantially free of solid substrate. Typically, heat from the recirculation fraction also causes the temperature of the combined stream to exceed that of the aqueous feed mixture, further contributing to dissolution of the substrate solids. Moreover, because the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine is substantially zero order until a high conversion has been attained, the dilution effect does not adversely affect the reaction rate. Optionally, the aqueous feed mixture and recirculation fraction can be directed to a mixing tank to assure that solids have been dissolved before the combined inlet stream is introduced into the fixed catalyst bed. In this manner it is feasible to introduce an aqueous feed stream comprising between about 8% and about 15% by weight N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, and to produce a combined inlet stream by mixing this aqueous feed stream with a primary reactor recirculation fraction comprising between about 0.5% and about 5% by weight N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. As described hereinbelow, significantly higher concentrations can be processed where the substrate is a water-soluble salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid and the product is a water-soluble salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine.

It should be understood that, in reducing the substrate content of the combined inlet stream, dilution of the aqueous feed stream with the recirculation stream further serves to reduce the difference in substrate content between the combined catalyst bed liquid phase inlet stream and the catalyst bed liquid exit stream, allowing this difference to be maintained in the ranges which can be tolerated in an adiabatic reaction zone, as described above. Maintaining such limitation on proportional conversion of substrate within the reaction zone remains important in the system of FIG. 8 inasmuch as the catalyst bed itself may still be operated substantially adiabatically, though the overall reaction system, including the recirculation loop, is not.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), a continuous reactor system may comprise a second oxidation reaction zone into which part or all of the primary reaction product fraction 508 may be continuously introduced for further conversion of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and oxidation of C₁ by-products. In such an embodiment, all of the primary reactor effluent 507 may be diverted into the heat exchanger recycle loop and the primary product fraction 508 removed from the recirculation fraction 509 downstream of the heat exchanger 510. In this manner, some of the exothermic heat of reaction would be removed from the primary product fraction 508 before introduction into the second oxidation reaction zone. The second reaction zone contains an oxidation catalyst and may be back-mixed, as provided within a continuous stirred tank reactor, or may comprise a second fixed catalyst bed. Residual N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the primary reaction product fraction is continuously oxidized to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the second reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment comprising two or more fixed bed reactors in series, the reaction is carried to a high conversion of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the primary oxidation reaction zone (e.g., at least about 95%, preferably at least about 98%) which is quite feasible because the oxidation proceeds as an apparent zero order reaction until only a small fraction of the original N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, e.g., as low as about 0.2 ppm or lower, remains in the liquid phase. By operation in this manner, the heat load of the reaction is very predominantly dissipated via the heat exchanger 510 in the recirculation loop of the primary reactor, and the second oxidation reaction zone can be operated essentially adiabatically with only modest temperature increase. Optionally, the reaction heat can be removed to a cooling fluid in an internal heat exchanger (e.g., cooling coils) positioned within the second oxidation reaction zone. Such an arrangement without recirculation allows the liquid phase reaction mixture to be passed through the second fixed bed without undermining the plug flow characteristic (i.e., substantially without back-mixing of the liquid phase via recycle). Plug flow operation is desirable in the second reaction zone since the oxidation of substrate to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product becomes essentially first order at high conversions. Plug flow operation maximizes the kinetic driving force for extinguishing the residual N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and reduces the amount of by-products from over-oxidation.

Preferably, both the primary and second catalyst beds contain a noble metal on carbon catalyst which is effective for oxidation of both the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate and the C₁ by-products, formaldehyde and formic acid. Since the noble metal functions primarily to catalyze the oxidation of the C₁ by-products, while the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is primarily catalyzed by the carbon, an alternative embodiment of the invention comprises the use of a primary fixed bed that consists essentially of carbon catalyst, or has a significantly lower noble metal content than the catalyst deployed in a second fixed bed. The second reactor comprises a noble metal on carbon catalyst to assure oxidation of the C₁ by-products. Inasmuch as the C₁ oxidation is substantially first order in any case, it proceeds more effectively under the essentially plug flow conditions that are conveniently maintained in the second reactor. The heat load may be sufficiently modest in the second reactor that it can be operated without an external heat exchanger and without back mixing or recirculation. In a fixed bed system, it may be feasible to use a catalyst having a lower noble metal loading per unit weight of catalyst than may be optimal for a continuous back-mixed reaction system.

In a still further embodiment, a third fixed bed reaction zone can be provided, which also preferably comprises a fixed bed containing a noble metal on carbon catalyst, and which can be operated substantially in plug flow and optionally, in fact preferably, under adiabatic conditions. This option may be of particular value where the first reactor uses only a carbon catalyst. Thus, the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product proceeds well in the presence of the carbon catalyst in the primary oxidation reaction zone, but C₁ by-products tend to accumulate in the primary reactor effluent. The second reaction zone promotes both extinction of the substrate and oxidation of C₁ by-products, both of which are essentially first order reactions that are promoted by the essentially plug flow operation of the second fixed bed. Residual C₁ compounds are effectively extinguished in the third fixed bed oxidation reaction zone.

In a still further embodiment, the continuous reactor system may comprise a plurality of shorter (or shallower) fixed bed reactors in series such that the intermediate reaction mixture effluent exiting one stage is passed through the following stage. This embodiment varies from the two or three reactor system described above in that only modest conversion would be achieved in any of the series of relatively shallow fixed bed reactor stages. Since substrate conversion in any one bed is relatively limited, each bed can be operated substantially adiabatically with a heat exchanger being placed between each successive shorter fixed bed reactor and the immediately succeeding reactor to cool the reaction mixture so that the temperatures of the reaction mixture do not exceed the desired operating temperature in any of the fixed bed reactors. Where the series comprises more than two reactors, it may be necessary to cool only the intermediate reaction mixture exiting the first one, two or three fixed bed reaction zones, after which it may be feasible for the remainder to operate adiabatically. The reaction temperature in a fixed bed reactor may also be controlled by, for example, incorporating separate channels or conduits within the fixed bed through which a cooling medium may be passed. It may be noted that, in this embodiment, not all the reactors of the series need necessarily be fixed bed reactors. For example, the first reactor of the series could be a continuous stirred tank reactor within which a substantially zero order oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product may be carried to a substantial conversion to produce an intermediate reaction mixture, and the intermediate reaction mixture may be transferred to a fixed bed reactor, or a series of fixed bed reactors for completing the conversion and oxidizing residual C₁ by-products.

As described above, catalyst utilized in fixed bed reactors may take a variety of forms and comprise different types of supports including both pellet supports and monolithic supports. As shown in FIG. 8, it is generally preferred that the oxidation catalyst contained within the fixed bed 501 be in the form of a pellet (e.g., the deeply reduced catalyst described above comprising a carbon pellet support having a noble metal deposited thereon). Such pellet catalysts typically have a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably from about 1.5 mm to 5 mm. A typical packing density for noble metal on carbon catalyst particles in this preferred size range is from about 0.1 to about 1.4 g/l, more preferably 0.25 to about 0.6 g/l, even more preferably from about 0.3 to about 0.4 g/ml. It has further been determined that the noble metal loading in a noble metal on carbon catalyst that is used in a fixed bed may be lower relative to the loading on a comparable catalyst for use in a slurry reactor. For example, effective operation of a fixed bed has been demonstrated using only a 2 wt. % Pt on carbon catalyst within the 200 to 2000 m²/cm³ BET surface to liquid holdup volume ratio noted below. Generally, a loading lower than 3 wt. % Pt may be satisfactory. Where the catalyst comprises platinum on carbon, the platinum loading on the catalyst may be less than 70% of the loading required in a slurry reactor.

Another advantage of a fixed bed reactor is that by combining different catalysts, the catalyst activity can be selectively varied over the length of fixed bed reactor stage or from one stage to the next in the direction of reaction mixture flow.

For example, a less active catalyst (e.g., a carbon only catalyst) may be deployed in the upstream portion of a fixed bed reactor stage or in earlier stages of a multi-stage fixed bed reactor system and a more active catalyst (e.g., a deeply reduced noble metal on carbon catalyst) may be deployed in the downstream portion of a fixed bed reactor stage or in later stages of a multi-stage system. Alternatively, the fixed bed may comprise a combination of oxidation catalyst bodies and other means for promoting gas/liquid mass transfer such as rings, saddles, or structured packing. The rings, saddles, or other inert packing functions as a diluent for the catalyst, thereby modulating the activity of the catalyst bed. In this manner, the activity of the catalyst bed may be varied in the direction of fluid flow as a function of variation of the surface area of the catalyst bodies relative to the surface area of the inert packing. Such a variation in catalyst activity acts to offset the declining concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction mixture while reducing catalyst costs and noble metal losses from the process.

The tendency of fixed bed reactors to produce lower concentrations of undesirable byproducts due to plug flow characteristics may be enhanced by using a ratio of effective catalyst surface area to liquid in the working volume which is significantly greater than the ratio used in typical back-mixed (i.e., well-mixed) reactors. In fact, the need to cool the reaction mixture to reduce impurity formation may be reduced or entirely eliminated by using such a ratio. This is due to the fact that the large effective catalyst surface area increases the reaction rate and consequently reduces the liquid residence time. The reduced residence time, in turn, tends to reduce the formation of impurities that are formed by homogeneous reactions, particularly N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. In this embodiment, the ratio of catalyst BET surface area to volume of liquid (liquid holdup) in the working volume of the fixed bed reactor preferably is at least about 3 m²/cm³, more preferably from about 100 to about 6000 m²/cm³, and even more preferably from about 200 to about 2000 m²/cm³. In some applications a catalyst BET surface area to liquid holdup in the reactor may most preferably be in the range of about 400 to about 1500 m²/cm³. The volumetric ratio of liquid holdup to total bed volume in the fixed bed is preferably in the range of between about 0.1 and about 0.7. In certain embodiments the low liquid residence time and high surface to volume ratio may make it advantageous to operate a fixed bed reactor in a relatively high temperature range of, e.g. 150° C., wherein the integrated average temperature of the liquid phase across the liquid phase flow path in the primary fixed bed is between about 80° C. and about 130° C., preferably 105° C. to 120° C.

Fixed bed reactors containing a catalyst in monolith form (e.g., comprising a honeycomb support such as that shown in FIG. 1) are sometimes more preferred than reactors containing a fixed bed of discrete catalyst particles. This is due to the fact that a fixed bed of catalyst particles may be subject to clogging if the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate contained in the aqueous feed stream 505 precipitates to any significant degree in the oxidation reaction zone. Accordingly, it is typically required that the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed stream 505 not exceed the saturation concentration at the reactor feed temperature, which may significantly limit throughput. However, if the fixed bed 501 comprises a catalyst in the form of a honeycomb or similar monolith, the channels therein can be made substantially straight and with a large enough cross-section so that they will not be clogged by a reaction mixture containing a slurry of solid N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. Even if a packed bed reactor is not subject to plugging, the monolith can be operated with substantially lower pressure drop. This potential advantage of utilizing a monolithic catalyst in a fixed bed reactor must be weighed against the increased costs associated with production of the monolith supports as compared to the often significantly cheaper pellet or particulate supports generally preferred in the practice of the present invention. This is particularly true where multiple fixed bed stages are employed with separate N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate feed streams to each stage, thereby avoiding the need for a high substrate concentration in the feed stream to the first fixed bed stage to obtain the desired throughput.

The amount and pressure of oxygen within the oxidation reaction zone may very significantly depending upon a variety of considerations, including total pressure, bed temperature profile, superficial gas velocity, catalyst bed volume, specific catalyst type and geometry, feed concentrations, number of oxidation reaction zones, productivity as well as other factors.

To achieve high conversion in a packed bed reactor system, each of the fixed bed reaction zones, especially the primary reaction zone, is preferably operated under relatively high oxygen partial pressure to promote oxygen transfer to the liquid phase. Preferably, the integrated average oxygen partial pressure over the liquid phase flow path in the primary oxidation reaction zone is at least about 50 psia, more preferably at least about 100 psia, even more preferably at least about 200 psia. In some embodiments, integrated average oxygen partial pressures in the range of about 300 psia to about 500 psia may be appropriate. Oxygen content of the gas phase at the gas exit of the reactor may be in the range of 20% to 30% or even lower. Oxygen transfer may also be promoted by the high ratio of catalyst surface area to volume ratio of liquid phase reacting mixture in a fixed bed reactor as described above. Oxygen utilization in the primary reaction zone is preferably between about 50% and about 95%. Typically, oxygen is fed to the reactor in a quantity of from about 1.5 to about 10 mole O₂/mole N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate introduced to the reactor.

The total operating pressure in the fixed bed reactor 500 may typically be higher than that in a stirred tank reactor and is preferably from about 0 to about 1000 psig, more preferably from about 300 to about 1000 psig, and even more preferably from about 100 to about 300 psig.

Generally, a somewhat lower oxygen partial pressure may be preferred in a second and/or third fixed bed oxidation reaction zone(s) in order to avoid over-oxidation of the catalyst and compromising its effectiveness in oxidation of C₁ by-products. Thus, in the second or third reaction zone, the integrated average oxygen partial pressure along the liquid flow path is preferably between about 30 psia and about 300 psia, more preferably between about 30 psia and about 100 psia. Alternatively, the primary fixed bed reactor of FIG. 8 and/or the second or third fixed bed reactor(s) in the series may be operated using an oxidant other than molecular oxygen, for example, H₂O₂, in which case the total reaction pressure and partial pressure of oxygen may be substantially lower than as described above.

To protect the catalyst against over-oxidation, it is generally preferred that oxygen partial pressure at the liquid exit of any fixed bed reactor be not greater than about 100 psia, and is preferably between about 10 psia and about 50 psia. It is also preferred that the oxygen partial pressure not exceed about 50 psia at any location in the fixed bed wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate content of the liquid phase is less than 0.2 ppm; more preferably, the oxygen partial pressure is maintained below about 50 psia at any location in the bed wherein the substrate content of the liquid phase is less than greater than about 0.1 ppm.

By observing the operational guidelines set forth above and particularly in connection with fixed bed reactors comprising a deeply reduced noble metal on carbon catalyst as described above, N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate may be converted to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in a single fixed bed reactor at productivities on a reactor volume basis in the range of from about 0.05 to about 4 gmole/l/hr, more typically from about 0.2 to about 2 gmole/1/hr.

In accordance with the invention, a fixed bed reactor may be operated at a substantial throughput, provided that adequate heat transfer capacity is provided, as depicted, for example, in FIG. 8. Generally, the relative liquid feed rate to the reactor and the reactor volume are such that a fixed bed reactor may be operated at a liquid hourly space velocity between about 0.5 hr⁻¹ and about 20 hr⁻¹, as computed on the basis of total catalyst bed volume, at N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate conversions in excess of about 50%. Higher conversions, in excess of 95% or 98% can be achieved at liquid hourly space velocities in the range of from about 0.5 to about 5 hr⁻¹. It will be understood that the liquid hourly space velocity is based on the total liquid phase feed stream. Thus, in the reaction system depicted in FIG. 8, the liquid phase feed stream comprises the combined inlet stream produced by mixing the aqueous feed mixture stream and the recirculation stream, as well as any other recycle or cross-flow streams that might be introduced into a fixed bed reactor in accordance with a particular process flow sheet. Typically, the fixed be is cylindrical and of circular cross-section and the height to diameter ratio is selected so as to provide adequate liquid distribution over the bed and appropriate gas superficial velocity for mass transfer characteristics. Typically, the height to diameter ration for a fixed bed used in the continuous oxidation reactor systems of the present invention is greater than one, more preferably from about 3 to about 40.

It is difficult to maintain a constant catalyst activity and selectivity over time in a fixed bed reactor. Eventually the activity and selectivity of the catalyst decreases to an unacceptable level such that the reactor system may have to be shut down to allow replacement and/or reactivation of the catalyst. This is a disadvantage as compared to the continuous reactor systems including one or more stirred tank reactors described above where catalyst replacement and/or reactivation can occur while the reactor system remains online. The problem of catalyst removal and reclamation can be resolved by providing duplicate fixed bed reactors that are valved in parallel to the remainder of the reaction system, and operating them on an alternating basis. Catalyst can be removed from the reactor that is out of service and replaced with fresh catalyst; or catalyst reactivation can be conducted in situ in the reactor that is off line.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is carried out in a circulating fluidized bed reactor utilizing a particulate heterogenous catalyst, preferably the deeply reduced particulate catalyst described above. A circulating fluidized bed reactor typically provides a greater mass transfer coefficient than a stirred tank reactor and may be operated in a manner to substantially retain the particulate catalyst within the oxidation reaction zone such that a catalyst filter or other catalyst separation means may not be required at all or at least substantially reduced in size and pressure drop requirements. FIG. 9 shows an example of a circulating fluidized bed reactor 400 defining an oxidation reaction zone therein. An aqueous feed stream 401 comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is pumped into the top of the reactor 400 through an inlet 403 of draft tube 405 and discharged near the bottom of the reactor 400 into liquid reaction medium 406 in contact with the catalyst particles 407. An O₂-containing gas may be sparged into the reaction mixture through a nozzle 409 at the bottom of the reactor 400. Reaction solution 412 is withdrawn from the reaction zone at an overflow port 411 and vapor comprising CO₂ is vented through the top of the reactor. The reactor has a reacting mixture circulation withdrawal port 413 located well above the discharge mouth of draft tube 405 but below the overflow port 411. Reacting mixture having particulate catalyst suspended therein is withdrawn at port 413, circulated via an external loop 420 through a heat exchanger 421 for removal of reaction heat, and then combined with feed stream 401 for reintroduction into the reactor via draft tube 405. By maintaining a high rate of circulation in loop 420 relative to the rate of supply of feed 401 and withdrawal of reaction solution 412, an upward flow velocity is established in a lower slurry region of the oxidation reaction zone generally below port 413 that is much higher than the upward flow velocity in a upper decantation region of the oxidation reaction zone generally above port 413. The equipment is sized and the recirculation flow controlled so that upward velocity in the lower slurry region is well above the sedimentation velocity of the catalyst particles 407 and therefore effective to maintain the catalyst in suspension (i.e., entrained) in the reaction medium within the slurry region. However, the upward velocity in the decantation region above port 413 is well below the sedimentation velocity of the catalyst particles 407, allowing separation of a relatively clear reaction solution decantate 412 which exits through port 411. Typically, the size of the catalyst particles 407 utilized in a reactor such as that shown in FIG. 9 is from about 200 μm to about 1000 μm. Smaller catalyst particles that might be entrained in the decantate 412, for example at startup, may be removed with a polish filter (not shown). Thus, the slurry catalyst is maintained within the reactor obviating the need for filtration, or at least for a filter having the capacity to remove catalyst at the rate that would be required if the concentration of catalyst in the forward flowing reaction solution 412 were comparable to the concentration of catalyst in the slurry region.

For removal of catalyst, the circulating fluidized bed reactor may also include a catalyst separation loop 414, as is also shown in FIG. 9. In this loop, a sidestream of slurry is removed from port 415 in the slurry region of the reaction zone and passed through a catalyst filter 417 for removal of catalyst 418. Fresh catalyst 419 may be added to the filtered reacting solution that is conveniently recycled to the reactor by mixing it with fresh feed stream 401 and recirculation stream 420 for introduction into draft tube 403. The catalyst separation loop 414 may be operated continuously or intermittently as needed (e.g., to purge catalyst having diminished activity and/or selectivity) and obviates the need to periodically shut down the reactor for replacement of particulate catalyst. However, the capacity of catalyst filter 417 need not be nearly as great as the filters used for separation of catalyst from the reaction slurry exiting a continuous stirred tank reactor as described above. Thus, significant savings in capital, operating, and maintenance expense can be realized.

Various modifications may be made to the fluidized bed reactor 400 shown in FIG. 9. For example, rather than sparging the O₂-containing gas into the reaction mixture 406 at the bottom of the reactor 400, an ejector nozzle similar to that shown in FIG. 7 may be provided at the top of the reactor through which both the aqueous feed stream 401 and the O₂-containing gas are combined and discharged into the reaction mixture 406. Alternatively, circulation of the reacting mixture containing the particulate catalyst may be provided by an impeller rotated within the draft tube 405 in a manner to draw the reacting mixture downward through the draft tube and into the lower region of the oxidation reaction zone. Moreover, the catalyst separation loop 414 may optionally be integrated into the heat transfer recirculation loop 420. The oxidation reaction conditions and operating parameters for a circulating fluidized bed reactor are similar to those described above for oxidation reaction zones provided by stirred tank reactors.

A still further alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 10 wherein the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is conducted in a distributed reactor system comprising a plurality of reactors 800A, 800B, 800C, . . . . 800 n in which reacting mixture progresses in series from each reactor to the succeeding reactor in the series. Primary feed mixture 814 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is introduced into reactor 800A and supplemental feed mixture is divided into parallel component feed streams 802B, 802C, 802D . . . . 802 n that are distributed among the series of reactors. Each reactor receives a component of distributed supply of oxygen or other oxidizing agent via feed lines 804A, 804B, 804C, . . . . 804 n. Optionally, a heat exchanger 806A, 806B, 806C, etc. is interposed between each succeeding reactor and the immediately preceding reactor to remove heat of reaction from the intermediate reaction mixture 810A, 810B, 810C, etc. exiting the immediately preceding reactor 800A, 800B, 800C, etc. and allow each reactor to operate adiabatically if desired. Alternatively, a cooled recirculation stream 808A, 808B, 808C, 808D, etc. can be returned to each reactor to remove exothermic heat of reaction and provide cooling of the reacting mixture in the reactor. In each of the series of reactors subsequent to the first reactor 800A, a combined inlet stream 812B, 812C, 812D, . . . 812 n is the combination of the component feed stream 802B, 802C, 802D, etc., the intermediate reaction mixture exiting the immediately preceding reactor 810A, 8101B, 810C, etc., minus any recirculation 808A, 808B, 808C, 808D, etc. and any recirculation stream 808B, 808C, 808D, etc. Each of reactors 800A, 800B, etc. can assume any of the configurations described herein, but is preferably in the form of a reactor in which catalyst is retained (e.g., a fixed bed or fluidized bed reactor). A final reaction product 810 n is withdrawn from the last reaction zone 800 n of the reaction zone series.

Each component feed stream 802B, 802C, etc. of a distributed reactor system may be highly concentrated, thereby contributing to high productivity of the process. In fact, component feed streams comprising a dense N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate slurry or paste component feed streams can be used. In each succeeding reactor following the first reactor 800A, (e.g., reactor 800B) a slurry or paste component feed mixture can be introduced, though it is preferred, especially in the case of fixed bed reactors, that the combination of component 802B feed composition, component 802B feed rate, composition and flow rate of intermediate reaction mixture 810A exiting the immediately preceding reactor 800A (minus any recirculation 808A), any recirculation 808B of intermediate reaction mixture from reactor 800B are such that the combined inlet stream 812B is substantially free of substrate solids or N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in certain embodiments of the invention, the component feed and intermediate reaction mixtures can be in slurry form throughout, for example, where the oxidation catalyst is a homogeneous catalyst, or where a monolithic catalyst such as fixed bed in honeycomb form is utilized.

Although both an additional component feed stream 802B, 802C, etc. and oxidant are preferably introduced into each of the series of reaction zones 800B, 800C, etc. following the first reaction zone, it will be understood that in a particular application, it may be necessary or desirable to supply a component reaction mixture only to some but not all of the successive reaction zones. In some instances, it may not be necessary to supply oxidant to all reaction zones, though in most cases, supply of oxidant to each zone is preferred.

The fixed bed and distributed feed embodiments of the invention are uniquely suited for conversion of water-soluble salts of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to water-soluble salts of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. Because of the generally high solubility of alkali metal and amine salts, e.g., potassium, ammonium, isopropylamine, and alkanolamine salts, of both the substrate acid and the product acid, either a fixed bed or stirred tank reactor may be operated at much higher substrate and product concentrations than is feasible in the acid process wherein productivity is limited by relatively low solubility. In fact, in the case of the salts, a fixed bed process may be particularly advantageous because it can be operated without need for any filtration or centrifugation operation, either for removal of crystalline product or for removal of catalyst. An N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine salt solution can be formulated with various excipients commonly used in the commercial application of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine and soluble with minimal further processing. To produce the desirable concentrates of commerce, only modest concentrating steps are required. Extensive impurity separation may not be required.

A stirred tank reaction system, especially a continuous stirred tank reaction system may be advantageous for synthesis of salts because of the more substantial reaction heat load associated with the oxidation of high concentration of substrate, and the accompanying exothermic oxidation of relatively large proportions of C₁ by products such as formaldehyde and formic acid. A continuous stirred tank reactor offers a significant advantage over a batch reactor in the utilization of reaction heat to preheat aqueous feed to the reactor. Combinations of a primary continuous stirred tank for initial conversion with a fixed bed finishing reactor may also be advantageous.

A fixed bed substantially plug flow reactor nonetheless offers particular advantages, especially where the catalyst bed comprises noble metal on carbon, because the plug flow operation serves to promote oxidation of C₁ by-products, a reaction which is essentially first order in C₁ substrate. However, for the same reason, plug flow exacerbates the heavy heat load associated with oxidation of an aqueous feed mixture containing a high concentration of substrate salt. Although the recirculation reaction system of FIG. 8 may be used to establish adequate heat transfer, it has an unfavorable effect on the kinetics of destruction of formaldehyde and formic acid, though depending on the recirculation rate the effect on C₁ destruction may remain marginally superior to a fully back-mixed reactor.

Accordingly, in some instances it may be advantageous to conduct the oxidation reaction in a reaction system wherein the fixed bed is cooled by indirect transfer of heat to a cooling fluid comprising a heat transfer or process fluid flowing through a conduit within or in contact with the catalyst bed. For example, the fixed bed may be disposed within the shell or tube side of a shell and tube heat exchanger, with the cooling fluid being passed through the other side of the exchanger. In one such embodiment, the fixed bed may comprise multiple component beds separately disposed in the tubes of the heat exchanger, with the aqueous feed mixture and oxidant being distributed among the component beds and the cooling fluid flowing through the shell side of said heat exchanger. In an alternative embodiment, the fixed bed may be contained within the shell of the heat exchanger, baffles on the shell side optionally being used to assure substantially plug flow of the liquid phase through the bed.

Alternatively, salts of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine may be prepared in a series of reactors separated by heat exchangers for cooling the intermediate reaction solution as described above. The distributed feed reaction system of FIG. 10 may be especially advantageous in dealing with the heat load generated in the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid salts to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine salts. As noted, especially high productivities may be achieved where the substrate and product are both water-soluble salts. For example, where the aqueous feed mixture may contains at least about 15% by weight of the substrate salt, the final reaction mixture may contain at least about 12% by weight of a water-soluble product salt; where the aqueous feed mixture contains at least about 25% by weight of a water-soluble substrate salt, the final oxidation reaction mixture may contain at least about 20% by weight of a water-soluble product salt; and where the aqueous feed mixture contains at least about 35% by weight of a water-soluble substrate salt, the final oxidation reaction mixture may contain at least about 28% by weight of a water-soluble product salt; all on an acid equivalent basis. In fact, even high product salt concentrations can be realized, in excess of 35%, preferably in excess of 40% or even 50% by weight. As described above, the final reaction product may be the primary reaction mixture obtained in a single reactor, the primary product fraction of a single recirculating fixed bed system as depicted in FIG. 8 or the effluent of the last of a series of reactors as is further described above.

The final reaction product is preferably further concentrated by removal of water therefrom. For example, the final reaction mixture may be introduced into a flash evaporation zone wherein the pressure is lower than the vapor pressure of the final oxidation mixture at the temperature at which it exits the reactor, or the last of a series of reactors. With relatively low expenditure of energy, sufficient water may be removed from the final oxidation reaction product to produce a concentrated solution containing at least about 40% by weight of a water-soluble salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine on an acid equivalent Typically, the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the oxidation reaction mixture effluent exiting the reactor systems of the present invention may be as great as 40% by weight, or greater. Preferably, the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration is from about 5 to about 40%, more preferably from about 8 to about 30%, and still more preferably from about 9 to about 15%. The concentration of formaldehyde in the product mixture is preferably less than about 5000 ppm, more preferably less than about 4000 ppm, still more preferably less than about 2800 ppm by weight, and still even more preferably less than about 1500 ppm. The concentration of formic acid in the product mixture is preferably less than about 12,000 ppm, more preferably less than about 4000 ppm, still more preferably less than about 2000 ppm by weight, and still even more preferably less than about 1500 ppm. The concentrations of aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), N-methyl-aminomethylphosphonic acid (MAMPA), N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (NMG) in the product mixture are readily controlled at each less than 9000 ppm, can usually be controlled at less than 4500 ppm, and often be maintained below 1500 ppm. It will be understood that these concentrations of by-products are based on a single pass operation in which the only feed to the reactor system is an aqueous mixture containing N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid or salt thereof as obtained from the phosphonomethylation of iminodiacetic acid. Where any recycle stream such as the decantate from an adiabatic crystallizer as described below is introduced into the reactor system, the attendant recycle of by-products tends to increase the by-product content of the reaction product mixture.

Purifying and/or Concentrating the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine Product Another aspect of this invention relates to purifying and/or concentrating the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product obtained in the oxidation reaction mixture effluent. The various improvements in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product recovery provided by the present invention have wide application and, for example, may be used to recover N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the oxidation reaction mixture produced by the various continuous oxidation reactor systems described herein. However, this further aspect of the present invention is not limited to such application or to use in conjunction with continuous oxidation reactor systems generally. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the strategies set forth herein may be advantageously applied in recovering N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from oxidation reaction mixture effluents produced by other reactor systems as well, including batch reactor systems.

The reaction mixture normally contains water and various impurities besides the desired N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. These impurities may include, for example, various by-products and unreacted starting materials such as unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, N-formyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, hexamethylenetetraamine, aminomethylphosphonic acid, N-methyl-aminomethylphosphonic acid, iminodiacetic acid, formaldehyde, formic acid, and the like. The value of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product normally dictates maximal recovery of the product from the reaction mixture and also often provides incentive for recycling at least a portion of the depleted reaction mixture to the oxidation reaction zone(s) for further conversion of unreacted substrate and recovery of unrecovered product.

Commercial considerations also sometimes dictate that the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the commercially sold mixtures be significantly greater than the concentrations in the reaction mixtures that are typically formed using the above described oxidation reaction systems, particularly where the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is being used for agricultural purposes. For example, when using a heterogenous catalyst to make the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine free acid at the more preferred operating temperatures (i.e., from about 95 to about 105° C.), the maximum concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the reaction mixture is preferably no greater than about 9% by weight so that it will remain solubilized. Sometimes, however, it is desirable for the commercially sold mixtures to have an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine concentration which is significantly greater.

Thus, after the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product has been formed and, if necessary, separated from the catalyst, it is typically preferable to concentrate the product and separate the product from the various impurities in the oxidation reaction mixture.

Smith (in U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,740) describes one process for purifying and concentrating an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Smith discloses passing a reaction mixture containing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine through a first ion exchange resin column to remove impurities that are more acidic than the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, passing the effluent from the first ion exchange resin column through a second ion exchange resin column which adsorbs the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, and recovering the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine by passing a base or strong mineral acid through the second ion exchange resin column.

Many other techniques for purifying and concentrating an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product include a crystallization step, wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is crystallized to separate it from at least a portion of the remaining reaction mixture.

The product recovery processes illustrated in FIGS. 11-14A and described below have particular application in the concentration and recovery of product from oxidation reaction mixtures containing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product susceptible to crystallization, and especially those containing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine free acid. The concentrated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine free acid is typically used in the preparation of the other N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine products such as those described above.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the final reaction mixture (preferably absent any catalyst, and particularly absent any heterogeneous catalyst or homogeneous catalyst that co-crystallizes with the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product) is introduced into a non-adiabatic heat-driven evaporative crystallizer, where heat is added to the oxidation reaction mixture to evaporate off water from the reaction mixture and thereby concentrate and crystallize the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The heat used in the non-adiabatic crystallizer is normally derived from steam. Preferably, at least about 30%, more preferably at least about 50%, even more preferably from about 80% to about 100%, still even more preferably from about 90% to nearly 100% of the water in the reaction mixture is evaporated in the non-adiabatic crystallizer system. Evaporative crystallization is particularly advantageous because it also separates the product from small molecule impurities, most notably formaldehyde and formic acid, which tend to evaporate from the reaction mixture along with the water.

The pressure in the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer preferably is no greater than about 10 psia, more preferably from about 1 to about 10 psia, even more preferably from about 1 to about 5 psia, still more preferably from about 2 to about 3 psia, and still yet even more preferably about 2.8 psia. The operating temperature of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer preferably is no greater than about 80° C., more preferably from about 40° C. to about 80° C., even more preferably from about 50° C. to about 70° C., and still even more preferably about 60° C.

FIG. 11 shows an example of one system which employs an evaporative crystallizer. An aqueous feed 201 comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is introduced into an oxidation reactor system 203 comprising one or more oxidation reaction zone(s) wherein the substrate is oxidized to form an oxidation reaction mixture 205 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. In FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14A, details of the oxidation reactor system, including catalyst separation and recycle mechanisms (e.g., catalyst filters, catalyst holding tanks, pre-filter flash tanks and the like) that may be present have been omitted, it being understood that the oxidation reaction mixture withdrawn from the reactor system has been substantially freed of catalyst, as necessary, depending on the specific reactor configuration(s) employed. The oxidation reaction mixture 205 may optionally be passed through a pre-crystallizer flash tank 206. The pre-crystallizer flash tank 206 lowers the pressure on the reaction mixture 205 to some degree causing dissolved CO₂ to be flashed out of the mixture and vented from the flash tank. An oxygen source (e.g., an O₂-containing gas) may be introduced into the pre-crystallizer flash tank 206 to further oxidize N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction mixture 205 that did not oxidize in the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 203, as well as to further oxidize formaldehyde and formic acid by-products present in the reaction mixture 205. In this manner, the pre-crystallizer flash tank 206 acts as an oxidation reaction zone in series with the reactor system 203.

An evaporative crystallizer feed stream 239 is then introduced into the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 207 in which heat is transferred to the evaporative crystallizer feed stream 239 to vaporize water (and small molecule impurities, such as formaldehyde and formic acid) to form the non-adiabatic crystallizer overhead vapor stream 209. A large portion of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product precipitates (typically from about 50% to about 60% on a per pass basis) to produce an evaporative crystallization slurry 211. Slurry 211 is withdrawn from the non-adiabatic evaporative crystallizer 207, and can be introduced into a hydroclone (or bank of hydroclones) 213, which forms a concentrated slurry 215 enriched in precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and a solids-depleted stream 221. The concentrated slurry 215 is introduced into a solids separation device, preferably a centrifuge, which forms a centrate 223 (which is further depleted in precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product) and an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product wet cake 219.

Normally, the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the wet cake 219 is at least about 95% (by weight of all compounds besides water). A lower product concentration may be tolerated if the wet cake 219 is subsequently washed with water or blended with higher purity product as described below.

At least a portion of the heat-driven crystallizer overhead 209 may be recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 203. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a portion 243 is condensed and recycled back for use as a source of water for dissolving the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form the feed stream 201 for the reactor system 203. Preferably, condensate 243 is introduced into the most upstream oxidation reaction zone where the reactor system 203 comprises two or more oxidation reaction zones in series. Stream 243, as with nearly all recycle streams of this invention, may alternatively (or additionally) be introduced directly into the oxidation reaction zone(s) rather than combined with other ingredients (e.g., in aqueous feed stream 201) before being introduced into the oxidation reaction zone(s). Particularly where the catalyst is a carbon-containing catalyst and more particularly where the catalyst comprises carbon-supported noble metal, a portion of the non-adiabatic crystallizer overhead 209, may also advantageously be used to reduce the catalyst surface. This is due to the fact that the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer overhead 209 typically contains formaldehyde and/or formic acid, which both act as reducing agents, particularly toward carbon-containing catalysts and more particularly toward catalysts comprising carbon-supported noble metal. Typically, the portion of the non-adiabatic crystallizer overhead 209 used in such a reduction treatment is first condensed and the condensate may be introduced into one or more catalyst holding tank(s) within reactor system 203 where the reduction treatment takes place. In addition to reducing the catalyst, such treatment may act to wash the catalyst and takes advantage of the residence time of the catalyst in the catalyst holding tank(s). In one particularly preferred embodiment, a portion of the non-adiabatic crystallizer overhead 209 is further rectified or distilled to obtain a vapor stream containing an enriched concentration of formaldehyde and/or formic acid. This enriched vapor stream, in turn, may be condensed and contacted with the carbon-containing catalyst.

At least another portion 241 of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer overhead 209 is typically purged (i.e., discharged) from the system as purge stream 241. In a continuous system, this purge 241 helps to reduce the amount of waste buildup (particularly small molecule impurity buildup) in the system and helps manage the water balance of the system. The purged waste 241 may, in turn, be further treated to remove impurities. Such a treatment may include, for example, contacting the purge stream 241 with an O₂-containing gas and a catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal (particularly platinum, palladium, and/or rhodium) and, optionally, a carbon support, thereby oxidizing formaldehyde and formic acid to form environmentally benign CO₂ and water. The reaction is preferably conducted at a temperature of from about room temperature to about 90° C. (more preferably from about 50° C. to about 90° C.), a pressure of from about atmospheric to about 200 psi, a dissolved oxygen concentration of from about 1 to about 7 ppm, and a Group VIII metal to working reactor volume ratio of from about 0.00015:1 to about 0.00040:1. This process is described in detail by Smith in U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,107. The product resulting from oxidation of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer overhead 209 may be recycled to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of reactor system 203 and used as a source of makeup water.

The hydroclone solids-depleted stream 221 is preferably recycled back to the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 207 for further recovery of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.

At least a portion 231 of the centrate 223 from the centrifuge 217 is preferably recycled back to the heat-driven crystallizer 207 for further recovery of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Alternatively (or in addition), a portion 233 of the centrate 223 can be recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 203 to convert unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the centrate 223 to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Alternatively (or in addition), a portion 227 of the centrate 223 can be purged from the system.

Purging a portion 227 of the centrate 223 from the centrifuge 217 in a continuous system helps to reduce the amount of impurity buildup (particularly larger molecule impurity buildup) in the system and thus in wet cake 219. Such a treatment may include, for example:

-   -   1. The purge stream 227 may be contacted with O₂ and a Group         VIII metal catalyst to oxidize formaldehyde and formic acid in         the purge stream 227, as described above for the non-adiabatic         crystallizer overhead purge 241.     -   2. The purged waste 227 may be contacted with O₂ and a         noble-metal-containing catalyst to oxidatively cleave any         N-substituted-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (often most notably         N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) to form additional         N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, which, in turn, may be         collected in a crystallizer, such as by recycling it back to the         non-adiabatic crystallizer 207. Preferably, this reaction is         conducted at a pressure of at least atmospheric pressure (more         preferably from about 30 to about 200 psig), a temperature of         from about 50° C. to about 200° C. (more preferably from about         70° C. to about 150° C., and even more preferably from about         125° C. to about 150° C.), a dissolved oxygen concentration of         no greater than about 2 ppm, and a weight ratio of the noble         metal to the N-substituted-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine         by-product(s) of from about 1:500 to about 1:5 (more preferably         from about 1:200 to about 1:10, and even more preferably from         about 1:50 to about 1:10). This method of treatment is described         in detail by Morgenstern et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,140.     -   3. The purged waste 227 may be combined with formaldehyde in         stoichiometric excess relative to the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine         compounds and derivatives thereof, and then heated in the         presence of a transition metal catalyst (e.g., manganese,         cobalt, iron, nickel, chromium, ruthenium, aluminum, aluminum,         molybdenum, vanadium, copper, zinc, or cerium) to form more         environmentally benign compounds. This process is described in         detail by Grabiak et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,131.     -   4. The purged waste 227 may be passed through another         crystallizer for further recovery of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine         product.

In another particularly preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the oxidation reaction mixture effluent (preferably absent any catalyst, particularly absent any heterogeneous catalyst or a homogeneous catalyst that co-precipitates with the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product) is introduced into a crystallizer which operates substantially adiabatically (i.e., any heat input or removal to the crystallizer is no greater than about 200 kcal. per kg of oxidation reaction mixture fed to the crystallizer), and more preferably fully adiabatically. Unlike the process as conducted in a non-adiabatic crystallizer as described above, the separation process in an adiabatic crystallizer results primarily from reduction in solubility due to cooling rather than to the concentrating effect of removal of water. In a preferred embodiment, separation of mother liquor from precipitated crystallization solids is accomplished in part by decantation. Because the amount of water removed in adiabatic crystallization is relatively small, the mother liquor has a relatively low impurities content. In accordance with the invention, it has been discovered that this mother liquor may be directly recycled to the oxidation reactor system as a source of process water. Adiabatic crystallization is advantageous because it does not require the energy (typically in the form of steam) that is required for the evaporation in a non-adiabatic crystallizer.

In an especially preferred adiabatic crystallizer system, the final reaction mixture is subjected to a sudden drop in pressure in a flash section, which causes part of the water in the reaction mixture to evaporate. This evaporation, in turn, causes the remaining reaction mixture to cool. Cooling results in the precipitation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Mother liquor may then be decanted to concentrate the slurry of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Adiabatic crystallization is advantageous because it does not require the energy (typically in the form of steam) that is required for the evaporation in a non-adiabatic crystallizer.

FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of a system comprising an adiabatic crystallizer 115. An aqueous feed 101 comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is introduced into an oxidation reactor system 103 comprising one or more oxidation reaction zone(s) wherein the substrate is oxidized to form an oxidation reaction mixture 105 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The oxidation reaction mixture 105 withdrawn from the reactor system 103 may optionally be passed through a pre-crystallizer flash tank 107. The pre-crystallizer flash tank 107 lowers the pressure on the reaction mixture 105 to some degree causing dissolved CO₂ to be flashed out of the mixture and vented from the flash tank. The preferred pressure drop depends on the pressure at which the oxidation reaction is conducted in the reactor system 103. Normally, for example, where the oxidation reaction zone(s) pressure is 115 psia, the pressure drop in the pre-crystallizer flash tank 107 is no greater than about 100 psig, more preferably from about 20 to about 80 psig, even more preferably from about 60 to about 80 psig, and still even more preferably about 75 psig; while the preferred pressure drop where the reaction zone(s) pressure is 215 psia is no greater than about 200 psig, more preferably from about 120 to about 180 psig, even more preferably from about 160 to about 180 psig, and still even more preferably about 175 psig. This typically causes up to about 1.5% (more typically from about 0.2 to about 1%, even more typically from about 0.2 to about 0.5%, and still even more typically about 0.25%) by weight of the final reaction mixture 105 to go into the vapor phase. Typically, the pressure over the resulting crystallizer feed steam 114 leaving the pre-crystallizer flash tank 107 is at least about 15 psia, more preferably from about 25 to about 100 psia, even more preferably from about 30 to about 60 psia, and still even more preferably about 40 psia.

An oxygen source (e.g., an O₂-containing gas) may be introduced into the pre-crystallizer flash tank 107 to further oxidize N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction mixture 105 that did not oxidize in the oxidation reactor system 103, as well as to further oxidize formaldehyde and formic acid by-products present in the reaction mixture 105. In this manner, the pre-crystallizer flash tank 107 acts as an oxidation reaction zone in series with the reactor system 103.

The crystallizer feed stream 114 is introduced into the adiabatic crystallizer 115. A detailed description of the operation of an adiabatic crystallizer system in accordance with the present invention is set forth below in connection with FIG. 12A. Operation of the adiabatic crystallizer 115 produces vapor 117 (i.e., the adiabatic crystallizer overhead) discharged from the top of the crystallizer, a decantate (i.e., mother liquor) stream 124 withdrawn from the crystallizer and a crystallization product slurry 125 comprising precipitated crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product removed from the bottom of the crystallizer.

At least a portion 146 of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 117 and/or and at least a portion 132 of the withdrawn decantate 124 may be recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 103. Typically, the recycled adiabatic crystallizer overhead 117 and/or withdrawn decantate 124 is/are recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) and used as a source of water for dissolving the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form the feed stream 101 for the reactor system 103. Preferably, the recycled adiabatic crystallizer overhead 117 and/or withdrawn decantate 124 is/are introduced into the most upstream oxidation reaction zone where the reactor system 103 comprises two or more oxidation reaction zones in series. Recycling at least a portion 132 of the decantate 124 back to the reactor system is advantageous because it reduces the water requirements and the volume of waste from the system. It also often allows recovery of additional N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the decantate 124. This recycle is additionally advantageous because it often allows for additional by-products, such as formaldehyde and formic acid, to be oxidized. The recycle of stream 132 is further advantageous because it allows water to be recycled directly back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) from the crystallizer 115 without having to expend energy to evaporate the water (as is the case with the recycle of the overheads from the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer discussed above). Because the recycled decantate 132 also remains at a relatively elevated temperature (most preferably 60° C.), the recycled decantate 132 can be used to preheat the aqueous feed stream 101. When a noble metal on carbon catalyst is utilized in the reactor system 103, a still further benefit of decantate recycle stream 132 may be realized in that noble metal leached from the catalyst is returned to the reactor system. It is believed that recycling noble metal-containing streams such as stream 132 to the reactor system 103 reduces the net loss of noble metal from the system. A portion of the leached noble metal contained in such a recycle stream may redeposit on the surface of the heterogeneous catalyst in the catalytic reactor system.

Particularly where the catalyst is a carbon-containing catalyst (and even more particularly where the catalyst comprises a carbon-supported noble metal), it is preferable to recycle at least a portion of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 117 indirectly by condensing it and then mixing the condensate with the catalyst. This is often advantageous because the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 117 often contains formaldehyde and/or formic acid, which, as noted above, both act as reducing agents. In one particularly preferred embodiment, a portion of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 117 is rectified or condensed and further distilled to obtain a condensate enriched in formaldehyde and/or formic acid. This enriched solution, in turn, is the portion of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead that is contacted with the carbon-containing catalyst. As noted above, this reduction treatment can occur in one or more catalyst holding tank(s) within the reactor system 103.

At least another portion 149 of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 117 and/or at least a portion 151 of the withdrawn decantate 124 may be purged (i.e., discharged) from the system as waste. In a continuous system, this purge helps to reduce the amount of impurity buildup in the system. This purged waste may, in turn, be further treated to remove impurities by techniques known in the art, such as those described above for the purged waste stream of the centrifuge downstream of a non-adiabatic crystallizer. For example, the purged waste may be contacted with an O₂-containing gas and Group VIII metal catalyst to oxidize formaldehyde and formic acid to CO₂ and water. The product of such oxidation treatment may be recycled to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 103 and used as a source of makeup water.

The N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product slurry 125 withdrawn from the bottom of the adiabatic crystallizer 115 contains the bulk of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The slurry 125 is typically passed through a centrifuge 155 to further concentrate the slurry 125 and form a wet cake 157 containing the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Normally, the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the wet cake 157 is at least about 95% (by weight of all compounds besides water). The solids-depleted stream 161 (i.e., the centrate) from the centrifuge 155 may, for example, be recycled back to the adiabatic crystallizer 115 via stream 165 or recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 103 via stream 169 to be used as a source of water in the aqueous feed stream 101. In order to maintain impurity concentrations at acceptable levels and enable the advantageous use of recycled decantate stream 132, at least a portion of the solids-depleted stream 161 may be removed via stream 173. Stream 173 may be subsequently treated by, for example, the waste treatment processes described above for the purge stream of the centrifuge downstream of a non-adiabatic heat-driven crystallizer. In a further embodiment, stream 173 is sent to a heat-driven evaporative crystallizer for additional product recovery in manner similar to that shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 12A is a schematic of a preferred adiabatic crystallization system for use in the practice of the present invention. As shown, the system 115 comprises vapor/liquid separator 703 defining a vapor/liquid separation zone positioned generally above and in fluid flow communication with a retention chamber 705. Vapor/liquid separator 703 is segregated from direct communication with the upper region of retention chamber 705, but is in fluid flow communication with the lower region of the retention chamber via a draft tube 706, the mouth 708 of draft tube 706 being separated by only a relatively short distance from the bottom of the retention chamber. Crystallizer apparatus of this general configuration are available from HPD Products Division of U.S. Filter (Plainfield, Ill., U.S.A.). A crystallizer recirculation inlet 709 is located on vapor/liquid separator 703, while retention chamber 705 is provided with a decantation liquid exit 711 for crystallization mother liquor located above mouth 708 of draft tube 706, an intermediate recirculation slurry exit 712 located above the mouth of the draft tube and below decantation liquid exit 711 and a lower product slurry exit 713 located at the bottom of chamber 705. During operation, retention chamber 705 is essentially filled with liquid while the liquid level 715 in vapor/liquid separator 703 is maintained somewhat below crystallizer recirculation inlet 709.

An aqueous crystallizer feed mixture 716 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product obtained from the reaction mixture effluent 114 withdrawn from the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the oxidation reactor system (along with various recycle streams as will be described below) is introduced through recirculation inlet 709 into vapor/liquid separator 703. The vapor/liquid separator defines an evaporation zone maintained by a vacuum system (not shown) at sub-atmospheric pressure and below the vapor pressure of the crystallizer feed mixture 716. The liquid level 715 in the vapor/liquid separator 703 is maintained by pressure equilibration through holes provided in the upper section of the draft tube 708 communicating with the retention chamber 705. The crystallizer feed mixture 716 comprises: (a) the oxidation reaction mixture effluent 114 withdrawn from the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system (i.e., starting solution) which may have been filtered to remove catalyst; (b) a recycle slurry stream 723 comprising at least a portion of the slurry exiting the intermediate recirculation slurry exit 712 as described below; and typically also (c) a centrate 165 comprising crystallization mother liquor recycled from a centrifuge system 155 to which a crystallization product slurry 125 from exit 713 is directed for recovery of solid N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, as further described below. The pressure maintained in vapor/liquid separator 703 is generally no greater than about 8 psia, preferably from about 1.5 to about 4 psia, even more preferably from about 2.5 to about 3.5 psia, and still even more preferably about 3 psia. Typically, the pressure of the crystallizer feed mixture 716 immediately upstream of the vapor/liquid separator is such that the feed mixture is subjected to a pressure reduction of at least about 100 psig, preferably from about 10 to about 80 psig, more preferably from about 30 about 60 psig, and even more preferably of about 38 psig, upon entry into the vapor/liquid separator. The sudden decrease in pressure causes water and small molecule impurities (e.g., formaldehyde and formic acid) to flash (i.e., evaporate) from the feed mixture 716 in the vapor/liquid separator 703. The vapor 117 (i.e., overhead) produced is separated and discharged from the top of separator 703 and directed to a condensing unit (not shown). Normally, no greater than about 30% by weight, more preferably from about 5% to about 30% by weight, and even more preferably from about 5% to about 10% by weight of the oxidation reaction mixture 114 is discharged as vapor 117. As a result of evaporation, the remaining condensed phase portion of the crystallizer feed mixture 716 is cooled considerably, thereby resulting in precipitation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and producing an evaporation product slurry 718 comprising crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids 719 suspended in mother liquor that is substantially saturated or supersaturated in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Preferably, the cooling effect resulting from the pressure reduction entering vapor/liquid separator 703 is sufficient that the temperature of the evaporation product slurry 718 is from about 30° C. to about 40° C. lower than the temperature of the oxidation reaction mixture 114 introduced into the adiabatic crystallization system. The temperature of the evaporation product slurry 718 is no greater than about 80° C., more preferably from about 45° C. to about 80° C., even more preferably from about 55° C. to about 70° C., and especially from about 60° C. to about 70° C.

The evaporation product slurry 718 exits separator 703 by descending draft tube 706 and is introduced into the lower region of a retention zone within retention chamber 705. The retention zone is divided into a lower crystallization region, generally below level 720, and an upper decantation region, generally above level 720. In the retention zone, the evaporation product slurry 718 is separated into a supernatant liquid 722 comprising a fraction of the mother liquor (typically the net production thereof) and second slurry stream 723 comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and mother liquor which is withdrawn from the retention chamber 705 through intermediate slurry exit 712. A decantate stream 124 comprising supernatant liquid 722 is withdrawn from retention chamber 705 through decantation exit 711 near the top of the retention chamber in the decantation region.

Crystallization product slurry 125 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product slurry is withdrawn from the bottom of retention chamber 705 through exit 713 in the crystallization region. The crystallization product slurry is forwarded to centrifuge system 155 wherein N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals are separated as wet cake. Normally N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the wet cake is at least about 95% (by weight of all compounds besides water). The resulting centrate 165 is recycled and combined with a second portion of product slurry in slurry steam 723 withdrawn from retention chamber 705 at the interface (i.e., cloud zone) between the decantation region and the crystallization region of the retention zone. The combined flow is introduced into vapor/liquid separator 703 along with the oxidation reaction mixture 114 as the crystallizer feed mixture 716.

At least a major portion, preferably substantially all of the second slurry stream 723 withdrawn from exit 712 is recirculated to the vapor/liquid separator 703, being mixed with the reaction mixture stream 114 and the centrate 165 from centrifuge 155 to form the feed mixture 716 to the vapor/liquid separator. Mother liquor 722 is separated (i.e., decanted) from the evaporation product slurry 718 in the decantation region. Decantation is accomplished by maintaining the relative rates at which reaction mixture 114 is introduced through inlet 709, decantate 124 is withdrawn from exit 711, and all or a portion of the second slurry 723 is recirculated from intermediate slurry exit 712 via crystallizer feed stream 716 (thereby controlling the rate at which evaporation product slurry 718 is introduced into the retention zone) such that the upward flow velocity in the lower crystallization region of the retention zone below the intermediate slurry exit 712 is sufficient to maintain precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals 719 in suspension (i.e., entrained) in the liquid phase, while the upward flow velocity in the upper decantation region of the retention zone above the intermediate slurry exit 712, is below the settling velocity of at least about 80% by weight, preferably below the settling velocity of at least about 95% by weight, most preferably below the settling velocity of at least about 98% by weight, of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals 719 in the crystallization region. Thus, an interface is established, at approximately the level of intermediate slurry exit 712, between the upper decantation region of the retention zone which contains substantially clear mother liquor, and the lower crystallization region of the retention zone which contains a crystallization slurry.

Preferably, the relative rates at which oxidation reaction mixture 114 is introduced into the adiabatic crystallization system 115, decantate 124 is withdrawn from exit 711, product slurry 125 is withdrawn from exit 713, and centrate 165 is recycled from centrifuge 155 are controlled so that the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor in the lower crystallization region of the retention zone is higher than the incremental ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product to mother liquor ratio resulting from the effects of the evaporation, such incremental ratio being the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids incrementally produced to the mother liquor incrementally produced thereby, i.e., the net production of crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Expressed another way, the incremental ratio is the ratio that would be obtained if the oxidation reaction mixture were flashed in the absence of solids in the crystallizer feed mixture (i.e., in the absence of recirculated second slurry). It will be understood that the effects of evaporation include both the concentrating effects and cooling effects; but where operation of the crystallizer is substantially adiabatic, as is preferred, crystallization results primarily from cooling of the liquid phase to a temperature at which solubility of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is substantially lower than it is at the temperature of the oxidation reaction mixture. Preferably, the solids/mother liquor ratio in the lower region of the retention zone is at least about twice the incremental ratio resulting from evaporation effects, and the concentration of product solids in the crystallization region is also at least twice the concentration incrementally produced. Expressed in another way, the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids concentration in the lower crystallization region of the retention zone is at least about 12% by weight, preferably at least about 15% by weight, more preferably in the range of between about 18% and about 25% by weight. In the system as illustrated, the rate of removal of solid product in the centrifuge 155 and of mother liquor as decantate 124 are ultimately fixed by the system material balance, but the solids inventory in the lower crystallization region of the retention zone may be adjusted by transient decrease or increase of the rate at which product slurry is removed from exit 713 relative to the decantation rate via exit 711. As is further discussed hereinbelow, control of the solids inventory in the crystallization region of the retention zone has been found to provide control of the average particle size of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product of the crystallization process.

The steady state upward flow velocity in the upper decantation region of the retention zone is determined by sizing the cross section of retention chamber 705 based on the process material balance and the solids settling velocity. Preferably, a relatively high upward velocity in the lower crystallization region of the retention zone is established by maintaining a high rate of recirculation of the second slurry 723 between intermediate slurry exit 712 and the recirculation inlet 709 to the vapor/liquid separator 703 (e.g., in the range of 20:1 to 100:1 relative to the rate of oxidation reaction medium 114 introduced into the crystallization system or decantate 124 removed therefrom). The fraction of centrate 165 from centrifuge 155 that is recycled as part of crystallizer feed mixture 716 also augments the rate of recirculation and upward flow velocity, but otherwise tends to dilute the slurry in the crystallization region. By combining a high second slurry recirculation rate with proper sizing of retention chamber 705, the upward flow velocity in the lower crystallization region of the retention zone can be controlled at least four times the sedimentation velocity of at least 80% by weight of the solids contained therein while the upward flow velocity in the upper decantation region of the retention zone can be established at less than one fourth of the sedimentation velocity of at least 80% by weight of the solids contained in the second slurry stream.

Operating at a high solids content in the crystallization region, combined with a high rate of recirculation of second slurry 723 from intermediate slurry exit 712 to vapor/liquid separator 703 further provides a high solids concentration throughout the evaporation zone. This mode of operation has been found to have a significantly favorable effect on both productivity of the crystallization process and the particle size and drainage characteristics of the crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product obtained. There is a trade off between particle size and productivity because productivity relates positively to the degree of supersaturation, but the degree of supersaturation generally correlates negatively with particle size. However, even at the relatively high average particle size, operation at high solids content effectively increases the surface of solid N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals on which crystallization can occur, and thus allows the crystallization process to proceed at high productivity with relatively minimal supersaturation of the liquid phase required to provide a driving force for crystallization. Crystallization at low levels of supersaturation in turn promotes formation of relatively large crystals. Thus, for a given productivity of the evaporation zone, the crystallization process of the invention provides an average particle size substantially larger than the average particle size obtained in a reference evaporator that is fully back mixed and wherein the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor is equal to the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids incrementally produced by the effects of the evaporation to the mother liquor incrementally produced thereby. For example, the crystallization process of the invention can be operated at high productivity to obtain a product having (1) a median cube weighted particle size of at least about 200 μm, preferably at least about 225 μm, more preferably at least about 250 μm, even more preferably at least about 275 μm, still more preferably at least about 300 μm, and especially at least about 350 μm; (2) a median length weighted particle size of at least about 85 μm, preferably at least about 90 μm, more preferably at least about 95 μm, even more preferably at least about 100 μm, still more preferably at least about 105 μm, and especially at least about 110 μm; and (3) a BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area not greater than about 0.11 m²/g, more preferably not greater than about 0.09 m²/g, even more preferably not greater than about 0.07 m²/g, and still even more preferably not greater than about 0.06 m²/g. The median cube weighted and median length weighted particle sizes set forth above may be determined using a focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) device such as a LASENTEC Model M100F available from Laser Sensor Technology Inc. (Redmond, Wash., U.S.A.).

At the high flow rates prevailing along the recirculation path between intermediate slurry exit 712 and mouth 708 of draft tube 706, the crystallization system operates in an essentially plug flow manner (i.e., without substantial axial back-mixing). As a result, a descending gradient in the degree of supersaturation prevails along this path, thereby maximizing the integrated average driving force available for crystallization, and enabling a lower degree of supersaturation to be realized at the downstream end of the plug flow path (i.e., at the mouth of the draft tube) than could be realized in a back-mixed system. Compounding the effect of plug flow with the generally low degree of supersaturation made feasible by the high crystal surface area presented by the high solids content within the recirculating slurry, the net result at any given rate of production is to further reduce the degree of supersaturation in the liquid phase within the lower crystallization region of the retention zone, and therefore in the decantate mother liquor 124 that is removed from the system.

Plug flow operation in combination with high solids content can also be exploited with respect to productivity. It has been found that high productivity can be realized even where the maximum supersaturation, i.e., the driving force for crystallization, expressed as the difference between the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration in the aqueous liquid phase at any location within the recirculation path and the saturation concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the aqueous liquid phase at such location is not greater than about 0.7% by weight, basis the aqueous liquid phase; or where the integrated average extent of supersaturation over the recirculation path is not greater than 0.5%. Looking at the relationship between supersaturation and productivity in yet another way, the process as described can operate effectively at an integrated average supersaturation over the recirculation path that is at least 0.2% lower than the extent of supersaturation required to provide equivalent crystallization productivity per unit working volume of a reference evaporator consisting of a fully back mixed evaporation zone in which the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor is equal to the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids incrementally produced by the effects of the evaporation to mother liquor incrementally produced thereby.

Because of the coarse particle size of the crystals produced in accordance with the process illustrated in FIG. 12A, the capacity of a centrifuge or filter for dewatering product slurry 125 is substantially enhanced, with attendant savings in capital and maintenance expense. For example, by use of a vertical basket centrifuge system or other dewatering device, a crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is obtained having a relatively low water content, e.g., exhibiting a loss on drying of not greater than about 15% by weight, more preferably not greater than about 8% by weight. Lower centrifuge cake wetness translates directly into lesser contamination of the centrifuge cake with chlorides, NMG, unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, etc. Thus, the use of the adiabatic crystallization system affords the opportunity to produce an exceptionally pure grade of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. So as to minimize attrition of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals, an axial flow pump is used to recirculate material in the adiabatic crystallizer system.

Advantageously, the crystallization operation of FIG. 12A is conducted adiabatically, i.e., there is no substantial transfer of heat to or from the system via heat transfer to or from the vapor/liquid separation zone, the retention zone, the feed mixture to the vapor/liquid separation zone, the second slurry that is recirculated to the vapor/liquid separation zone, or the centrate that is returned from the centrifuge system. By reduction in pressure of the feed mixture as described above, sufficient evaporation is achieved for cooling the liquid phase to the extent that substantial crystallization of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is realized. Capital and energy savings are realized by obviating the need for evaporator heat exchangers, and process downtime required to periodically parboil fouled heat exchangers is also eliminated.

Moreover, without substantial expenditure of energy for the separation, a decantation stream 124 is provided which can readily serve as a source of process water for recycle to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the oxidation reactor system. Because crystallization can be effected at high productivity at a relatively limited degree of supersaturation, the decantate recycled to the oxidation reaction zone(s) has nearly the minimum theoretical N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration. Since productivity of the oxidation reaction system may typically be limited by the solubility of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the reaction mixture effluent, especially where a particulate catalyst is utilized in the preparation of the free acid form of N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the recycle decantate can at least marginally detract from the net productivity of the oxidation reactor system by limiting the rate at which N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate can be converted to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product therein without exceeding N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solubility. This modest penalty associated with decantate recycle is minimized by recovering nearly the maximum theoretical proportion of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the crystallizer and thereby minimizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product content of the water stream that is recycled.

Although the system depicted in FIG. 12A is preferred, those skilled in the art will recognize that other options exist for establishing and maintaining the high N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product to mother liquor ratios in the crystallization region of the retention zone that are effective to provide relatively coarse crystals. The process of FIG. 12A is effective to retain solids in the evaporation zone; the process could alternatively be operated to return solids to the evaporation zone. For example, if crystallization is conducted in a fully back mixed evaporative crystallizer, it is possible to establish and maintain a high and disproportionate inventory of solids in the crystallizer by recycling crystalline product from the filter or centrifuge used for N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids recovery, while either not recycling filtrate/centrate or recycling a lesser proportion of filtrate/centrate relative to solids recycled. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the latter scheme of operation comes with a penalty in capital intensive filter or centrifuge capacity. A significant advantage of the preferred process of FIG. 12A is the achievement of high solids inventory by decantation rather than by expensive mechanical means for solid/liquid separation.

Surprisingly, it has been discovered that operation of the adiabatic crystallizer in the preferred, manner as described above, may obviate the need for concentrating the product slurry of the decantation (as by use of a hydroclone) prior to introduction of the slurry into a centrifuge.

FIG. 13 shows an example of one preferred embodiment wherein the process comprises an adiabatic crystallizer operating in series with a non-adiabatic crystallizer.

Many of the various streams shown in FIG. 13 are analogous to those described above for non-adiabatic crystallizers and adiabatic crystallizers alone. An aqueous feed stream 601 comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is introduced into an oxidation reactor system 603 comprising one or more oxidation reaction zone(s) wherein the substrate is oxidized to form an oxidation reaction mixture 605 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The oxidation reaction mixture 605 may optionally be passed through a pre-crystallizer flash tank 607. The pre-crystallizer flash tank 607 lowers the pressure on the reaction mixture 605 to some degree causing dissolved CO₂ to be flashed out of the mixture and vented from the flash tank. An oxygen source (e.g., an O₂-containing gas) may be introduced into the pre-crystallizer flash tank 607 to further oxidize N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction mixture 605 that did not oxidize in the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 603, as well as to further oxidize formaldehyde and formic acid by-products present in the reaction mixture 605. In this manner, the pre-crystallizer flash tank 607 acts as an oxidation reaction zone in series with the reactor system 603.

A crystallizer feed stream 614 which comprises most of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is introduced into the adiabatic crystallizer 615. Operation of the adiabatic crystallizer 615 produces vapor 617 (i.e., the adiabatic crystallizer overhead) discharged from the top of the crystallizer, a decantate (i.e., primary mother liquor) stream 624 withdrawn from the crystallizer and a primary crystallization product slurry 625 comprising precipitated crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product removed from the bottom of the crystallizer.

At least a portion 646 of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 617 and/or and at least a portion 632 of the withdrawn decantate 624 may be recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of reactor system 603. Typically, the recycled adiabatic crystallizer overhead 617 and/or withdrawn decantate 624 is/are recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) and used as a source of water for dissolving the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form the feed stream 601 for the reactor system 603. Preferably, the recycled adiabatic crystallizer overhead 617 and/or withdrawn decantate 624 is/are introduced into the most upstream oxidation reaction zone where the reactor system 603 comprises two or more oxidation reaction zones in series. Recycling at least a portion 632 of the decantate 624 back to the oxidation reactor system is advantageous because it reduces the water requirements and the volume of waste from the system. It also often allows recovery of additional N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the decantate 624. This recycle is additionally advantageous because it often allows for additional by-products, such as formaldehyde and formic acid, to be oxidized. The recycle of stream 632 is further advantageous because it allows water to be recycled directly back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) from the crystallizer 615 without having to first expend energy to evaporate the water (as is the case with the non-adiabatic heat-driven crystallizer discussed above). Because the recycled decantate 632 also remains at a relatively elevated temperature (most preferably 60° C.), the recycled decantate 632 can be used to preheat the aqueous feed stream 601.

Particularly where the catalyst is a carbon-containing catalyst (and especially such a catalyst which also comprises a noble metal), it is preferable to recycle at least a portion of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 617 indirectly by mixing it with the catalyst. This is advantageous because the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 617 often contains formaldehyde and/or formic acid, which, as noted above, both act as reducing agents. In one particularly preferred embodiment, a portion of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 617 is further distilled to obtain a solution containing an enriched concentration of formaldehyde and/or formic acid. This enriched solution, in turn, is contacted with the carbon-containing catalyst. As noted above, this reduction treatment can occur in one or more catalyst holding tank(s) in reactor system 603.

At least another portion 649 of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 617 and/or at least a portion 651 of the withdrawn decantate 624 may be purged (i.e., discharged) from the system as waste. In a continuous system, this purge helps to reduce the amount of impurity buildup in the system. This purged waste may, in turn, be further treated to remove impurities by techniques known in the art, such as those described above for the purged waste streams of the centrifuge downstream of a non-adiabatic crystallizer. At least a portion 652 of the withdrawn decantate 624 may alternatively be sent to the non-adiabatic evaporative crystallizer 663.

The primary N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product slurry 625 withdrawn from the bottom of the adiabatic crystallizer 615 contains the bulk of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The slurry 625 is typically passed through a centrifuge 655 to further concentrate the slurry 625 and form a wet cake 657 containing the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Normally, the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the wet cake 657 is at least about 95% (by weight of all compounds besides water).

At least a portion (preferably at least about 1%, more preferably from about 1% to about 67%, even more preferably from about 20% to about 50%, still even more preferably from about 30% to about 40%, and still yet even more preferably about 33%) of the centrate 661 (i.e., primary mother liquor) from the centrifuge 655, on the other hand, is sent to a heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 663, which provides heat to the centrate 661 to vaporize water and small molecule impurities to form the evaporative crystallizer overhead vapor stream 665. Much of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product precipitates in the liquid medium 667. This liquid medium 667 is withdrawn from the non-adiabatic evaporative crystallizer 663 and introduced into a hydroclone 669, which forms a product-rich stream 673 enriched in precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and a solids-depleted stream 671. The product-rich stream 673 is introduced into a centrifuge 675 which forms a centrate 677 (which is further depleted in precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product) and an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product wet cake 679. In instances where the entire centrate 661 from the centrifuge 655 is not all introduced into the non-adiabatic crystallizer 663, a portion 695 of the centrate 661 may be recycled back to the adiabatic crystallizer 615 and/or purged from the system via purge stream 693 and treated using, for example, the various liquid waste treatments discussed above.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, at least a portion of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer overhead 665 may be recycled back to the reactor system 603. Often, a portion 685 is recycled back to the reactor system 603 and used as a source of water for dissolving the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form the feed stream 601 for the oxidation reaction zone(s). Particularly where the catalyst is a carbon-containing catalyst, a portion of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer overhead 665 also may advantageously be used to reduce the catalyst surface. This is due to the fact that the evaporative crystallizer overhead 665 often contains formaldehyde and/or formic acid, which both act as reducing agents, particularly toward carbon-containing catalysts. The reduction treatment may occur in one or more catalyst holding tank(s) of the reactor system 603.

At least another portion of the heat driven evaporative crystallizer overhead 665 is normally purged from the system as purge stream 683. In a continuous system, this purge 683 helps to reduce the amount of impurity buildup (particularly small molecule impurity buildup) in the system. The purged waste 683 may, in turn, be further treated to remove impurities, as discussed above for the purged overhead streams for adiabatic crystallizers and non-adiabatic crystallizers discussed above.

At least a portion 689 of the centrate 677 from the centrifuge 675 is preferably recycled back to the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 663 (and/or to the adiabatic crystallizer 615) for further recovery of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. Alternatively (or in addition), a portion 691 of the centrate 677 is recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 603 to convert unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the centrate 677 into N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. A portion 687 of the centrate 677 is also normally purged from the system. In a continuous system, this purge 687 helps to reduce the amount of impurity buildup (particularly larger molecule impurity buildup) in the system. The purged waste 687 may be further treated to remove impurities by, for example, the same techniques described above for the liquid purged wastes discussed above for adiabatic and non-adiabatic crystallizers.

In an alternative embodiment, rather (or in addition to) feeding the centrate 661 from the centrifuge 655 to the non-adiabatic crystallizer 663, at least a portion 652 (preferably at least about 1%, more preferably from about 1 to about 67%, even more preferably from about 20 to about 50%, still even more preferably from about 30 to about 40%, and still yet even more preferably about 33%) of the withdrawn decantate 624 from the adiabatic crystallizer 615 is introduced into the non-adiabatic crystallizer 663. In that instance, the centrate 661 may be, for example, recycled to the adiabatic crystallizer 615 (via stream 695), recycled back to the reactor system 603, purged from the system (via stream 693), and/or introduced into the non-adiabatic crystallizer 663.

FIG. 14 shows an example an especially preferred embodiment wherein the process comprises an adiabatic crystallizer 319 and a non-adiabatic crystallizer 343. Here, the adiabatic crystallizer 319 and non-adiabatic crystallizer 343 operate in a semi-parallel manner.

Many of the various streams shown in FIG. 14 are analogous to those described above for non-adiabatic crystallizers and adiabatic crystallizers alone. An aqueous feed stream 301 comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is introduced along with oxygen into an oxidation reactor system 303 comprising one or more oxidation reaction zone(s), wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidatively cleaved in the presence of a catalyst to form an oxidation reaction product solution 305. The oxidation reaction product solution 305 withdrawn from the last oxidation reaction zone of reactor system 303 is then introduced into a pre-crystallizer flash tank 306 to reduce the pressure and flash out much of the dissolved CO₂. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the resulting liquid stream 308 is filtered with a catalyst filter 307 to remove a heterogenous particulate catalyst suspended in liquid stream 308 and form a catalyst recycle stream 309 and filtrate 311. The filtrate 311 is divided into plural fractions and a portion 317 (i.e., a primary fraction of the reaction product solution) is introduced into the adiabatic crystallizer 319 to produce a primary product slurry comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and primary mother liquor, while another portion 315 (i.e., a secondary fraction of the reaction product solution) is introduced into the non-adiabatic heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 343 to produce an evaporative crystallization slurry 344 (i.e., a secondary product slurry) comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and secondary mother liquor. In such an embodiment, the portion 315 of the filtrate 311 which is introduced into the evaporative crystallizer 343 may first be introduced into a crystallizer feed tank (not shown), where it is mixed with the solids-depleted hydroclone stream 351 and/or recycled centrate 365. In addition to providing a location for mixing, such a feed tank also provides a timing buffer to hold materials during, for example, startup and shut down of the process.

Operation of the adiabatic crystallizer 319 produces vapor 369 (i.e., the adiabatic crystallizer overhead) discharged from the top of the crystallizer, a decantate (i.e., primary mother liquor) stream 323 withdrawn from the crystallizer and a primary crystallization product slurry 321 comprising precipitated crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and primary mother liquor removed from the bottom of the crystallizer. Preferably, at least a portion (and preferably all) of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 369 and/or decantate 323 withdrawn from the adiabatic crystallizer 319 is/are recycled back to the oxidation reaction zone(s) of the reactor system 303. Typically, at least a portion 377 of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 369 and/or a portion 324 of the withdrawn decantate 323 is/are recycled back to the reactor system 303 and used as a source of water for the oxidation reaction zone(s).

At least a portion 325 of the withdrawn decantate 323 may alternatively be sent to the non-adiabatic evaporative crystallizer 343. At least a portion of the adiabatic crystallizer overhead 369 can be indirectly recycled (via stream 379) back to the reactor system 303 by being used to reduce the catalyst surface. As noted above, this reduction treatment often occurs in a catalyst holding tank(s) 373.

Because the solids-depleted liquid streams from the adiabatic crystallizer 319 (i.e., the decantate stream 323) and subsequent centrifuge 331 (i.e., the centrate stream 335) typically have a lower concentration of impurities (particularly of larger molecule impurities) than the solids-depleted stream (i.e., the centrate) 357 of the centrifuge 355 (e.g., a solid bowl centrifuge) downstream of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 343, it is normally more preferable to recycle back to the reactor system 303 the entire withdrawn decantate 323 from the adiabatic crystallizer 319, and optionally the entire solids-depleted stream 335 from the centrifuge 331 downstream of the adiabatic crystallizer 319, while using the solids-depleted stream (i.e., the centrate) 357 of the centrifuge 355 downstream of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 343 for purging larger molecule impurities from the system (via purge stream 361). Purging is advantageous for continuous systems because it reduces the rate of contaminant buildup in the system, thus making recycle of the solids-depleted streams (i.e., streams 323 and 335) from the adiabatic crystallizer 319 more feasible. Like the purged waste streams discussed above, this purged waste 361 may be treated by, for example, further crystallization. It may also be treated by the techniques described by Smith in U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,107. It may additionally be treated, for example, by the technique described in detail by Morgenstern et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,140. It may further be treated by the technique described in detail by Grabiak et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,131.

The solids-depleted stream 335 from the centrifuge 331 downstream of the adiabatic crystallizer 319, on the other hand, is typically entirely recycled, for example, back to the adiabatic crystallizer 319 (via stream 337) or to the reactor system 303 (via stream 341). The solids-depleted stream 351 from the hydroclone 349 downstream of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 343 can be recycled back to the evaporative crystallizer. Any non-purged portion 365 of the solids-depleted stream 357 from the centrifuge 355 downstream of the evaporative crystallizer 343 is typically recycled back to the evaporative crystallizer. At least a portion of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer overhead 345 is typically purged from the system via stream 347, although a portion 350 optionally may be recycled back to the oxidation reactor system 303 directly via stream 383 or indirectly via stream 381 to be used as a reducing agent for the catalyst.

Preferably, from about 30% to about 85%, more preferably from about 50% to about 80%, and even more preferably from about 65% to about 75% of the oxidation reaction mixture absent the catalyst (i.e., stream 311) is introduced into the adiabatic crystallizer 319 via stream 317 as the primary fraction, while the remaining portion is introduced into the non-adiabatic heat-driven crystallizer 343 via stream 315 as the secondary fraction. The weight ratio of the secondary fraction 315 to the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate fed into the system is preferably from about 0.1 to about 9, more preferably from about 2 to about 7, even more preferably from about 2.5 to 4.

Embodiments operating an adiabatic crystallizer and a heat-driven evaporative crystallizer in a semi-parallel manner (such as the one shown in FIG. 14) are typically more preferred than embodiments operating an adiabatic crystallizer and an evaporative crystallizer in series. This stems, for example, from the fact that for a given evaporative crystallizer size, greater crystallization capacity generally may be obtained where the crystallizers are in parallel. This provides more flexibility in retrofitting existing plants.

The system in FIG. 14 produces two N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product wet cake streams: a wet cake stream 333 from centrifuge 331 downstream of the adiabatic crystallizer 319, and a wet cake stream 359 from centrifuge 355 downstream of the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 343. Normally, the wet cake stream 333 from the adiabatic crystallizer 319 preferably has an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration of at least 90% (by weight of all compounds besides water), more preferably at least 95% (by weight of all compounds besides water), and even more preferably at least about 99% (by weight of all compounds besides water), while the wet cake stream 359 from the evaporative crystallizer 343 has an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration of at least about 85% (by weight of all compounds besides water), more preferably at least about 90% (by weight of all compounds besides water), and even more preferably at least about 95% (by weight of all compounds besides water). Typically, the purity of the wet cake 333 from the adiabatic crystallizer 319 section is greater than the purity of the wet cake 359 from the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 343.

It is often advantageous to combine these wet cakes 333 and 359. This combination allows lesser purity levels in the wet cake 359 from the evaporative crystallizer 343 to be tolerated due to the greater purity levels normally obtained in the wet cake 333 issuing from the adiabatic crystallizer 319. Thus, for example, if 45% of the combined wet cake is from the evaporative crystallizer 343 and 55% of the combined wet cake is from the adiabatic crystallizer 319, the purity level of the wet cake 359 from the evaporative crystallizer 343 may be as low as 90.2% by weight to achieve a combined purity level of at least 95% by weight where the wet cake 333 from the adiabatic crystallizer 319 is 99% by weight pure. Normally, it is desirable for the combined wet cake to have an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration of at least about 95% (by weight of all compounds besides water), and more preferably about 96% (by weight of all compounds besides water).

FIG. 14A shows an example of another especially preferred embodiment wherein the process comprises an adiabatic crystallizer and a non-adiabatic heat-driven evaporative crystallizer operated in a semi-parallel manner as described above in FIG. 14. However, this reaction system further includes a secondary reactor system comprising one or more secondary oxidation reaction zone(s) used in conjunction with the fraction of the reaction product mixture from the primary oxidation reactor system sent to the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer.

Many of the various streams shown in FIG. 14A are analogous to those described above for the reaction system shown in FIG. 14 in which the adiabatic crystallizer 319 and the heat-driven evaporative crystallizer 343 are operated in a semi-parallel manner. An aqueous feed stream 301 comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is introduced along with oxygen into a primary oxidation reactor system 303 comprising one or more oxidation reaction zone(s), wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidatively cleaved in the presence of a catalyst to form a reaction product solution 305 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. The reaction product solution 305 from the primary reactor system 303, after catalyst separation (e.g., by filtration) if necessary, is divided into plural fractions comprising a primary fraction 317 and a secondary oxidation reactor feed fraction 315. The primary fraction 317 is introduced into the adiabatic crystallizer 319 and is cooled by flash evaporation of water therefrom under reduced pressure conditions to recover the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product as described above. The secondary oxidation reactor feed fraction 315 is introduced into a secondary oxidation reactor system 316 comprising one or more oxidation reaction zones in which unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is oxidized to produce a secondary oxidation reactor effluent 318 comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The secondary reactor feed fraction 315 may be cooled prior to introduction into the secondary oxidation reactor system 316 to remove exothermic heat generated in the primary oxidation reactor system 303 and reduce production of by-products. Reactor effluent 318 is introduced into the non-adiabatic heat-driven evaporative crystallizer wherein water is evaporated therefrom to precipitate and recover the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product as described above.

In the reaction system in FIG. 14A it should be understood that the primary and secondary reactor systems 303 and 316, respectively, may include one or more oxidation reaction zone(s) provided by various reactor configurations including, for example, the continuous reactor systems described hereinabove. For purposes of illustration, the primary reactor system 303 may comprise a single stirred tank reactor as shown in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, two stirred tank reactors in series as shown in FIGS. 3-6 or one or more fixed bed reactors as shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the primary reactor system 303 comprises one or more oxidation reaction zone(s) in series and the reaction product solution 305 is withdrawn from the last oxidation reaction zone, in the series, and filtered as necessary. However, it should be understood that the reaction product solution 305 may be divided before the last oxidation reaction zone of the primary reactor system 303 such that the primary fraction 317 passes through the remaining oxidation reaction zone(s) of the primary reactor system before being introduced into the adiabatic crystallizer 319.

Preferably, the secondary reactor system 316 comprises one or more oxidation reaction zone(s) provided by one or more fixed bed reactors or stirred tank reactors utilizing a particulate catalyst slurry or combinations thereof. However, fixed bed reactors are generally more preferred since a catalyst recycle mechanism including a catalyst filter can be avoided in the secondary reactor system 316. Moreover, concerns regarding dissipation of exothermic reaction heat and temperature control that arise when a fixed bed reactor serves as the first oxidation reaction zone in the primary reactor system 303 are largely circumvented in the secondary reactor system 316 since the majority of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate is preferably oxidized in the primary reactor system 303. Accordingly, the oxidation reaction zone(s) within the secondary reactor system may be operated adiabatically. In accordance with an especially preferred embodiment, the secondary reactor system 316 comprises a single oxidation reaction zone provided by a fixed bed reactor. Preferably, such a fixed bed reactor is operated with cocurrent gas and liquid flows through the oxidation reaction zone.

The presence of the secondary reactor system 316 in the reaction system shown in FIG. 14A permits the primary reactor system 303 to be configured and operated in a manner which allows a higher concentration of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction mixture 305. For example, the second or subsequent oxidation reaction zone(s) of the primary reactor system 303 may be sized considerably smaller or eliminated completely (i.e., the primary reactor system 303 may comprise a single oxidation reaction zone). However, the concentration of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction product solution 305, and thus in the primary fraction 317 sent to the adiabatic crystallizer 319, is nevertheless preferably maintained sufficiently low to avoid precipitation of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate at the prevailing stream temperature. For typical operating temperatures of the adiabatic crystallizer (e.g., 60° C.), the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction product solution 305 is no greater than about 2% by weight. However, in order to take advantage of the presence of the secondary reactor system 316 which permits the primary reactor system 303 to be sized and operated more economically, the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the reaction product solution 305 is preferably at least about 0.2% by weight and more preferably at least about 0.5% by weight.

Unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the primary fraction 317 introduced into the adiabatic crystallizer 319 is preferably recovered and returned to the primary reactor system 303 via the decantate 323 withdrawn from the adiabatic crystallizer 319, as well as by optionally recycling at least a portion of the solids-depleted stream 335 from the centrifuge 331 downstream of the adiabatic crystallizer 319 to the primary reactor system via stream 341. By employing a high dewatering centrifuge (e.g., a vertical basket centrifuge) as centrifuge 331, recovery of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the solids-depleted stream 335 is enhanced, while advantageously minimizing the fraction of unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate contained in wet cake stream 333.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the system shown in FIG. 13 may be modified by the addition of a secondary reactor system to further oxidize unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the centrate 661 from the centrifuge 655 upstream of the non-adiabatic evaporative crystallizer 663.

Particularly where the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product is N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine itself, it has long been known that the product may be converted to various salts or esters to increase its solubility in water so that it is more readily amenable to commercial use. This is generally discussed, for example, by Franz in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,977,860 and 4,405,531. Preferred salts of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine include, for example, alkali metal salts (particularly the potassium salt), alkanolamine salts (particularly the monoethanolamine salt), alkyl amine salts (particularly the isopropylamine salt), and alkyl sulfonium salts (particularly the trimethyl sulfonium salt). The isopropylamine salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine is particularly preferred. See, e.g., Bugg et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,269. This salt typically has a significantly greater activity than the free acid, and is, for example, roughly 40 times as soluble as the free acid at 25° C.).

In some embodiments of this invention, the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product formed in the oxidation reaction zone(s) comprises an ester or salt which is sufficiently great to form a mixture having the desired commercial concentration. In those instances, the desirability for process steps (e.g., crystallization, hydrocycloning, centrifugation, and the like) for concentrating the product may be significantly reduced or entirely eliminated. This is especially true if the catalyst is the deeply reduced catalyst discussed above, which typically forms a reaction mixture having a low concentration of impurities and consequently requiring little or no purification.

In some embodiments, for example, the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product formed in the oxidation reaction zone(s) is the isopropylamine salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. At the more preferred oxidation operating temperatures (i.e., from about 95 to about 105° C.), such a product will remain soluble at concentrations of up to about 50% by weight or greater. The salt product may be formed in the oxidation reaction zone(s) by (a) using the isopropylamine salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid as the substrate, (b) introducing isopropylamine into the oxidation reaction zone(s) to aminate the oxidation product while in the oxidation reaction zone(s), and/or (c) introducing isopropylamine into a vessel downstream of the oxidation reaction zone(s) and before catalyst filtration. Where there are more than one oxidation reaction zones in series, it is normally preferable (although not absolutely necessary) to use the isopropylamine salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid as the substrate and/or introduce isopropylamine into the first of the oxidation reaction zones. Regardless, at least one equivalent (and more preferably slightly more than one equivalent) of isopropylamine cations are preferably present per mole of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product formed. It should be recognized these principles with respect to forming the isopropylamine salts also generally apply to forming other salts, e.g., alkali metal salts (particularly the potassium salt), alkanolamine salts (particularly the monoethanolamine salt), alkyl amine salts besides the isopropylamine salt, and alkyl sulfonium salts (particularly the trimethyl sulfonium salt).

EXAMPLES

The following examples are simply intended to further illustrate and explain the present invention. This invention, therefore, should not be limited to any of the details in these examples.

Example 1 Measuring Pore Volume of Carbon Support

A Micromeritics ASAP 2000 surface area and pore volume distribution instrument was used to acquire the data. Total surface area determination involves exposing a known weight of a solid to some definite pressure of a non-specific adsorbate gas at a constant temperature, e.g., at the temperature of liquid nitrogen, −196° C. During equilibration, gas molecules leave the bulk gas to adsorb onto the surface which causes the average number of molecules in the bulk gas to decrease which, in turn, decreases the pressure. The relative pressure at equilibrium, p, as a fraction of the saturation vapor pressure, p_(o), of the gas is recorded. By combining this decrease in pressure with the volumes of the vessel and of the sample, the amount (i.e., the number of molecules) of gas adsorbed may be calculated by application of the ideal gas laws. These data are measured at relative pressures (p/p_(o)) of approximately 0.1 to 0.3 where the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) equation for multi-layer adsorption typically applies. With the number of adsorbed gas molecules known, it is possible to calculate the surface area using the “known” cross-sectional area of the adsorbate. For cases where only physical adsorption due to Van der Waals forces occurs (i.e., Type I Langmuir isotherms) the determination of surface area from the observed changes in pressure is accomplished using the BET equation. Pore size and pore size distributions are calculated by obtaining relative pressure data approaching p/p_(o)=1, i.e., in the regime where multi-layer adsorption and capillary condensation occur. By applying the Kelvin equation and methods developed by Barrett, Joyner and Halenda (BJH), the pore volume and area may be obtained.

Example 2 High-Temperature Deoxygenation of a Carbon Support

The high-temperature deoxygenation procedures described in the following examples may be used with any carbon support to produce a deoxygenated carbon support.

Single-Step High-Temperature Deoxygenation #1 Using NH₃/H₂O Gas

An activated carbon support (2.5 g) was placed into a 1.9 cm I.D.×40.6 cm length quartz tube. The tube was connected to a gas stream resulting from sparging a 70 to 100 ml/min. N₂ stream through a 70° C., 10% NH₄OH aqueous solution. The quartz tube then was placed into a preheated 30.5 cm tubular furnace and pyrolyzed at 930° C. for 60 min. and then cooled to room temperature under a dry N₂ atmosphere without contacting any air.

Single-Step High-Temperature Deoxygenation #2 Using NH₃/H₂O Gas

An activated carbon support (3.55 g) was placed into a 1.9 cm I.D.×35.6 cm long quartz tube. The tube was connected to streams of 50 ml/min. of NH₃ gas and 89 ml/min. of steam and then placed into a preheated 30.5 cm tubular furnace and pyrolyzed at 930° C. for 30 minutes. The tube subsequently was cooled to room temperature under a dry N₂ atmosphere without any contact with air.

To show the advantages of deoxygenating the carbon support before dispersing the noble metal onto the surface of the support, the performances of the following two catalysts were compared: one having a carbon support, which was deoxygenated using the above treatment before platinum was dispersed onto its surface; and one having an SA-30 carbon support (Westvaco Corp. Carbon, Department Covington, Va.) which was used as received from Westvaco. Platinum was dispersed onto the surfaces of the carbon supports using the technique described in Example 3 below. The catalysts then were reduced. In one experiment, the catalysts were reduced using NaBH₄ (See Example 12 for protocol). In a second experiment, the catalysts were reduced by heating them in 20% H₂ and 80% argon for 8 hours at 640° C.

The reduced catalysts were used to catalyze the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (i.e., “glyphosate”) using the reaction conditions set forth in Example 5. Table 1 shows the results. Use of the deoxygenated carbon support resulted in smaller CO desorption values, less noble metal leaching, higher formaldehyde activity, and shorter reaction times. TABLE 1 Effect of Deoxygenating the Carbon Support before Dispersing Noble Metal onto Its Surface CO desorption Deoxygenation from carbon Pt in soln. (μg/g CH₂O (mg/g glyph. Reaction time¹ treatment support (mmole/g) Reduction glyph. prod.) prod.) (min.) Single-step 0.23 NaBH₄ 8.6 28.5 35.1 high-temperature Reduced deoxygenation #2 (Ex. 12) SA-30, used as received 1.99 same 54.3 43.1 62.7 Single-step 0.23 8 hrs at 4.8 15.6 29.8 high-temperature 640° C. in deoxygenation #2 20% H2, 80% Ar SA-30, used as received 1.99 same 31 19.7 50.7 ¹When ≧98% of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid has been consumed.

Example 3 Depositing Platinum onto the Surface of a Carbon Support

Twenty grams of NUCHAR activated carbon SA-30 (Westvaco Corp., Carbon Department, Covington, Va.) was slurried in 2 L of water for 2 hours. Then, 2.81 grams of H₂PtCl₆ dissolved in about 900 ml of water was added dropwise over a period of 3 to 4 hours. After the H₂PtCl₆ solution was completely added, the slurry was stirred for 90 more minutes. The pH of the slurry then was readjusted to 10.5 using NaOH, and stirred for 10 to 14 more hours. The resulting slurry was filtered and washed with water until the filtrate reached a constant conductivity. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum for 10 to 24 hours. This material produced 5% platinum on carbon upon reduction.

It should be recognized that the above procedure may be used to deposit platinum onto the surface of other carbon supports as well.

Example 4 High-Temperature Hydrogen Reduction of a Carbon Support

Approximately 5.8 g of a dried, unreduced catalyst consisting of 5% platinum on a NUCHAR SA-30 carbon support (Westvaco Corp., Carbon Department, Covington, Va.) was dehydrated in-situ at 135° C. in argon for one hour before being reduced at 640° C. with 20% H₂ in argon for 11 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature under 20% H₂ in argon, the catalyst was ready to use.

It should be recognized that the above procedure may be used to heat other carbon supports as well.

Example 5 Use of the Catalyst to Oxidize N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to N-(Phosphonomethyl)glycine

This example demonstrates the use of high-temperature gas-phase reduction to improve catalyst performance.

An Aldrich catalyst consisting of 5% platinum on an activated carbon support (catalog No. 20,593-1, Aldrich Chemical Co., Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.) was heated at 640° C. for 4-6 hours in the presence of 20% H₂ and 80% argon. Subsequently, it was used to catalyze the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to Glyphosate. Its performance was compared to the performance of a sample of the Aldrich catalyst which was used as received from Aldrich.

The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction was conducted in a 200 ml glass reactor using 11.48 g of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, 0.5% catalyst (dry basis), a total reaction mass of 140 g, a temperature of 90° C., a pressure of 50 psig, a stir rate of 900 rpm, and an oxygen flow rate of 100 ml/min.

Table 2 shows the results. The high-temperature hydrogen-reduced catalyst had less leaching, better formaldehyde activity, and produced less N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. Also, reaction time was shortened by 30% when the high-temperature hydrogen-reduced catalyst was used. TABLE 2 N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid Oxidation Results for 5% Pt on Activated Carbon (Aldrich Cat. No. 20,593-1) Catalyst As Received High-Temp., H₂ Reduced NPMIDA (%) 0.4619 0.4430 N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine 5.58 5.54 (%) HCO₂H (mg/g glyph. prod.) 46.99 35.87 CH₂O (mg/g glyph. prod.) 32.96 14.60 NMG (mg/g glyph. prod.) 3.58 1.32 AMPA (ppm) 172.5 182.0 End Point (min.) 64.67 44.17 Pt in soln. (μg/g glyph. prod.) 32.26 10.50 % of Pt Lost 0.72 0.232

Example 6 Further Examples Showing Use of Catalyst to Oxidize N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to N-(Phosphonomethyl)glycine

This example demonstrates using the high-temperature, gas-phase reduction treatment and ammonia washing to improve catalyst performance.

The performances of six catalysts in catalyzing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation were compared. These catalysts were: (a) a catalyst consisting of 5% platinum on an activated carbon support (Catalog No. 33,015-9, Aldrich Chemical Co., Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.); (b) the catalyst after being washed with ammonia (ammonia washing was conducted using the same technique described in Example 10 except that the pH of the catalyst slurry was adjusted to and maintained at 11.0 rather than 9.5); (c) the catalyst after being heated at 75° C. in 20% H₂ and 80% argon for 4-6 hours (GPR@75° C.); (d) the catalyst after being heated at 640° C. for 4-6 hours in the presence of 20% H₂ and 80% argon (GPR@640° C.); and (e) two catalysts after being washed with ammonia and then heated at 640° C. for 4-6 hours in the presence of 20% H₂ and 80% argon. The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction conditions were the same as in Example 5.

Table 3 shows the results. The untreated catalyst showed relatively high leaching and poor formaldehyde activity. High-temperature gas-phase reduction at 640° C. in the presence of H₂ leads to the greatest decrease in leaching and increase in formaldehyde activity. Heating the catalyst at 75° C. in 20% H₂ at 75° C. decreased leaching to a lesser extent, but did not enhance the formaldehyde activity. TABLE 3 NPMIDA Oxidation Results for 5% Pt on Activated Carbon (Aldrich Cat. No. 33,015-9) NH₃ wash NH₃ wash + GPR NH₃ wash + GPR Catalyst As-received w/o GPR¹ GPR@75° C. GPR@640° C. @640° C. @640° C. NPMIDA (%) ND ND ND 0.097 0.083 ND Glyphosate (%) 5.87 5.65 5.81 5.89 5.85 5.91 HCO₂H (mg/g glyph. prod.) 43.46 43.65 38.97 42.14 46.91 52.12 CH₂O (mg/g glyph. prod.) 19.39 22.73 19.85 13.78 15.70 17.61 NMG (mg/g glyph. prod.) 1.27 0.89 0.89 1.00 1.31 1.68 AMPA (ppm) 149.4 147.6 134.6 349.8 324.8 283.8 End Point (min.) 39.33 44.33 38 31.42 34.33 33.33 Pt in soln. (μg/g glyph. 42.59 40.71 27.54 5.26 5.30 4.23 prod.) % of Pt Lost 1 0.92 0.64 0.12 0.12 0.1 ¹“GPR” means reduction in H₂ 2. “ND” means none detected.

In the next experiment, five catalysts were analyzed while catalyzing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation. These catalysts were: (a) a catalyst consisting of 5% platinum on NUCHAR SA-30 (Westvaco Corp., Carbon Department, Covington, Va.); (b) the catalyst after being treated with NaBH₄ (see Example 12 for protocol); (c) the catalyst after being heated at 75° C. in 20% H₂ and 80% argon for 4-6 hours (GPR@75° C.); (d) the catalyst after being heated at 640° C. in 20% H₂ and 80% argon for 4-6 hours (GPR@640° C.); (e) the catalyst after being washed with ammonia (using the same technique described in Example 10) and then heated at 640° C. in 20% H₂ and 80% argon for 4-6 hours. The reaction conditions were the same as those in Example 5.

Table 4 shows the results. The untreated catalyst showed relatively high platinum leaching and low formaldehyde activity. The catalyst also showed high leaching and low formaldehyde activity after being treated with NaBH₄, as did GPR@75° C. In contrast, GPR@640° C. showed a greater formaldehyde activity and less leaching. TABLE 4 NPMIDA Oxidation Results Using 5% Pt on NUCHAR SA-30 NH₃ wash + GPR Catalyst Unreduced NaBH₄ red. GPR@75° C. GPR@640° C. @640° C. Glyphosate (%) 2.50 5.71 4.92 5.17 5.19 HCO₂H (mg/g glyph. prod.) 59.56 51.14 57.85 30.85 38.21 CH₂O (mg/g glyph. prod.) 115.28 43.13 48.52 19.67 20.79 NMG (mg/g glyph. prod.) 1.64 2.17 6.41 0.37 1.73 AMPA (ppm) 58.16 193.9 174.0 138.5 156.3 End point (min.) 62.67 62.67 70.67 50.67 59.33 Pt in soln. (μg/g glyph. prod.) 84.00 54.29 81.30 30.95 19.27 % of Pt Lost 0.84 1.24 1.6 0.64 0.4

Example 7 Effect of C/O and O/Pt Ratios at the Surface of the Catalyst

The carbon atom to oxygen atom ratio and the oxygen atom to platinum atom ratio at the surfaces of various fresh catalysts were analyzed using a PHI Quantum 2000 ESCA Microprobe Spectrometer (Physical Electronics, Eden Prairie, Minn.). The surface analysis was performed by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (“ESCA”) with the instrument in a retardation mode with the analyzer at fixed band pass energy (constant resolution). The analysis entails irradiation of the sample with soft X-rays, e.g., Al K_(α) (1486.6 eV), whose energy is sufficient to ionize core and valence electrons. The ejected electrons leave the sample with a kinetic energy that equals the difference between the exciting radiation and the “binding energy” of the electron (ignoring work function effects). Because only the elastic electrons, i.e., those that have not undergone energy loss by any inelastic event, are measured in the photoelectron peak, and because the inelastic mean free path of electrons in solids is short, ESCA is inherently a surface sensitive technique. The kinetic energy of the electrons is measured using an electrostatic analyzer and the number of electrons are determined using an electron multiplier. The data are presented as the number of electrons detected versus the binding energy of the electrons. ESCA survey spectra were taken using monochromatic Al K_(α) x-rays for excitation of the photoelectrons with the analyzer set for a 117 eV band pass energy. The X-ray source was operated at 40 watts power and data were collected from the 200 μm spot on the sample being irradiated. These conditions give high sensitivity but low energy resolution. The spectra were accumulated taking a 1.0 eV step size across the region from 1100 eV to 0 eV and co-adding repetitive scans to achieve acceptable signal/noise in the data. The elements present were identified and quantified using the standard data processing and analysis procedures provided with the instrumentation by the vendor. From the relative intensities of the photoelectron peaks, the relative atomic concentrations of the elements Pt/C/O are obtained. ESCA analysis is generally cited as having a precision of ±20% using tabulated response factors for a particular instrument configuration.

Table 5 shows the C/O and O/Pt ratios at the surface of each fresh catalyst, and the amount of leaching for each of the catalysts during a single-cycle N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction. TABLE 5 Effects of C/O and O/Pt Ratios During NPMIDA Oxidation¹ Reduction Treatment Pt After Depositing C/O O/Pt in Soln. CH₂O Catalyst Noble Metal Ratio Ratio (μg/g)² (mg/g)³ 5% Pt on NaBH₄ 23.7 3 ND⁴ deoxygenated Reduced carbon⁵ same Pt(II)⁶ 35.3 17 1.2 24.44 640° C./9 hr/10% H₂ same NaBH₄ Reduced 21.1 3 6.9 Aldrich Cat. 640° C./6 hr/20% H₂ 67.9 3 5.2 13.78 No. 33015-9 same  75° C./6 hr/20% H₂ 13.4 10 27.5 19.85 same Used as Received 13.3 10 42.6 19.39 Aldrich Cat. 640° C./6 hr/20% H₂ 45.2 7 10.5 21.90 #20593-1 NH₃ wash/pH = 11 same 640° C./6 hr/20% H₂ 37.7 10 10.5 14.60 same Used as Received 9.1 26 32.3 32.96 5% Pt on 640° C./7 hr/20% H₂ 67.7 8 19.3 20.79 SA-30 NH₃ wash/pH = 9.5 Westvaco carbon same 640° C./8 hr/20% H₂ 63.3 8 30.9 19.67 same  75° C./7 hr/20% H₂ 13.2 32 81.3 48.52 ¹The reaction conditions were the same as those used in Example 5. ²μg Pt which leached into solution per gram Glyphosate produced. ³mg formaldehyde per gram Glyphosate produced. ⁴“ND” means none detected. ⁵Carbon support deoxygenated with the single-step high-temperature technique #2 of Example 2. ⁶Pt deposited using diamminedinitrito P(II) as described in Example 11.

Example 8 Analysis of Catalyst Surface Using Thermogravimetric Analysis with In-Line Mass Spectroscopy (TGA-MS)

The concentration of oxygen-containing functional groups at the surfaces of various fresh catalysts was determined by thermogravimetric analysis with in-line mass spectroscopy (TGA-MS) under helium. To perform this analysis, a dried sample (100 mg) of fresh catalyst is placed into a ceramic cup on a Mettler balance. The atmosphere surrounding the sample then is purged with helium using a flow rate 150 ml/min. at room temperature for 10 minutes. The temperature subsequently is raised at 10° C. per minute from 20 to 900° C., and then held at 900° C. for 30 minutes. The desorptions of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are measured by an in-line mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer is calibrated in a separate experiment using a sample of calcium oxalate monohydrate under the same conditions.

Table 6 shows the amount of carbon monoxide desorbed per gram of each catalyst using TGA-MS, and the amount of leaching for each of the catalysts during a single-cycle N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction using the same reaction conditions as in Example 5. As Table 6 shows, leaching tends to decrease as the amount of CO desorption decreases, and is particularly low when the desorption is no greater than 1.2 mmole/g (mmole CO desorbed per gram of catalyst). TABLE 6 Effects of Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups Which Desorb from Catalyst Surface as CO during TGA-MS Reduction TGA-MS Pt in Soln. CH₂O Catalyst Treatment (mmole/g)¹ (μg/g)² (mg/g)³ Aldrich Cat. 640° C./6 hr/20% H₂ 0.41 5.2 13.78 #33015-9 same 640° C./6 hr/20% H₂ 0.38 5.3 15.70 NH₃ wash/pH = 9.5 same  75° C./6 hr/20% H₂ 1.87 27.5 19.85 same NH₃ wash/pH = 9.5 1.59 40.7 22.73 same Used as Received 1.84 42.6 19.39 ¹mmole of CO per gram of catalyst ²μg of noble metal which leaches into solution per gram of Glyphosate produced ³mg of formaldehyde per gram of Glyphosate produced

Example 9 Effect of Temperature During High-Temperature Gas-Phase Reduction

This example demonstrates the effects of using various temperatures when heating the catalyst in the presence of a reducing agent.

An unreduced catalyst having 5% platinum on an activated carbon support (which was deoxygenated using the single-step high-temperature deoxygenation technique #2 described in Example 2 before the platinum is deposited) was heated at various temperatures in 10% H₂ and 90% argon for about 2 hours. The catalyst then was used to catalyze the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction. The reaction was conducted in a 250 ml glass reactor using 5 g N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, 0.157% catalyst (dry basis), 200 g total reaction mass, a temperature of 80° C., a pressure of 0 psig, and an oxygen flow rate of 150 ml/min.

The results are shown in Table 7. Increasing the reduction temperature from 125° C. to 600° C. reduces the amount of noble metal leaching and increases the formaldehyde oxidation activity during the oxidation reaction of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid into Glyphosate. TABLE 7 Effects of Reduction Temperature Reduction Temperature Pt in Soln. CH₂O C/O O/Pt (° C.) (normalized¹) (normalized²) Ratio Ratio 125 1.00 0.41 26 13 200 0.44 0.80 27 14 400 0.18 0.93 42 10 500 0.14 0.95 32 14 600 0.06 1.00 40 11 ¹A normalized value of 1.00 corresponds to the highest amount of Pt observed in solution during this experiment. ²A normalized value of 1.00 corresponds to the highest formaldehyde activity during this experiment.

Example 10 Washing the Catalyst with Ammonia

An unreduced catalyst (6.22 g) consisting of 5% platinum on an activated carbon support (which was deoxygenated using the single-step high-temperature deoxygenation technique #2 described in Example 2 before the platinum was deposited onto the support) was slurried in 500 ml of water for 30 minutes. Afterward, the pH of the slurry was adjusted to 9.5 with diluted aqueous ammonia, and the slurry was stirred for one hour, with aqueous ammonia being periodically added to maintain the pH at 9.5. The resulting slurry was filtered and washed once with about 300 ml of water. The wet cake then was dried at 125° C. under vacuum for about 12 hours. This catalyst was heated at 640° C. for 11 hours in 10% H₂ and 90% argon, and then compared with two other catalysts consisting of 5% platinum on NUCHAR activated carbon: (a) one reduced at room temperature with NaBH₄ (see Example 12 for protocol), and (b) one heated at 640° C. in 10% H₂ and 90% argon for 11 hours. The reactions were the same as those in Example 5.

The results are shown in Table 8. Platinum leaching was the lowest with the catalyst which was washed with ammonia before high-temperature hydrogen reduction. TABLE 8 Effects of Ammonia Washing CH₂O HCO₂H NMG Pt in soln. Catalyst (mg/g)¹ (mg/g) (mg/g) (μg/g) NH₃-washed, 10.62 28.79 0.83 0.50 High-Temp., H₂-reduced High-temp., 14.97 27.82 1.38 4.64 H₂-reduced Room-Temp., 28.51 70.16 2.59 8.64 NaBH₄-reduced ¹These quantities are per gram Glyphosate produced.

Example 11 Use of a Less Oxidizing Noble Metal Precursor

Platinum was deposited on an activated carbon support using diamminedinitrito platinum (II). Approximately 20 g of an activated carbon support was deoxygenated using the single-step high-temperature deoxygenation technique #2 described in Example 2. Next, it was slurried in 2 L of water for 2 hours. Approximately 51.3 g of a 3.4% solution of diamminedinitrito platinum (II), diluted to 400 g with water, then was added dropwise over a period of 3-4 hours. After addition was complete, stirring was continued for 90 more minutes. The pH was re-adjusted to 10.5 by adding diluted aqueous NaOH, and stirring was conducted for 10-14 more hours. The slurry then was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water until the filtrate reached constant conductivity. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum for 10-24 hours. The resulting catalyst was heated at 640° C. for 4-6 hours in 10% H₂ and 90% argon.

A control was prepared using H₂PtCl₆ to deposit platinum onto the same carbon. The control was heated under the same conditions as the catalyst prepared using diamminedinitrito platinum (II).

These catalysts were compared while catalyzing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction. The reaction conditions were the same as those in Example 5.

The catalyst prepared using diamminedinitrito platinum (II) showed less leaching than the control. Only 1.21 μg platinum per gram of Glyphosate produced leached into solution, which was about three times better than the control.

Example 12 Reducing the Catalyst Surface Using NaBH₄

The purpose of this example is to demonstrate the effects of reducing the catalyst using NaBH₄.

Approximately 5 g of an activated carbon support (which was deoxygenated using the single-step high-temperature deoxygenation technique #2 described in Example 2 before the platinum was deposited onto the support) was slurried with 85 ml of distilled water in a 250 ml round bottom flask. The slurry was stirred in a vacuum for about 1 hour. Next, 0.706 g of H₂PtCl₆ in 28 ml of distilled water was added to the slurry at a rate of about 1 ml per 100 seconds with the vacuum still being applied. After stirring overnight in the vacuum, the reactor was brought to atmospheric pressure by admitting a flow of N₂. After allowing the slurry to settle, approximately 30 ml of colorless supernatant was decanted. The remaining slurry was transferred to a 100 ml Teflon round bottom. At this point, the pH was adjusted to 12.2 with 0.3 g of NaOH. Then, 2.3 ml of NaBH₄ in 14 M NaOH was added at 0.075 ml/min. Subsequently, the resulting slurry was stirred for one hour, filtered, and washed five times with 50 ml of distilled water. The catalyst then was dried at 125° C. and 6 mmHg for 12 hours.

The resulting catalyst was used to catalyze the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation. The reaction was conducted in a 300 ml stainless steel reactor using 0.5% catalyst, 8.2% N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, a total reaction mass of 180 g, a pressure of 65 psig, a temperature of 90° C., an agitation rate of 900 rpm, and an oxygen feed rate of 72 ml/min.

A control experiment also was conducted at the same reaction conditions using 5.23% platinum on an activated carbon support (which was deoxygenated using the single-step high-temperature deoxygenation technique #2 described in Example 2 before the platinum was deposited onto the support).

Table 9 shows the results using the NaBH₄-reduced catalyst, and Table 10 shows the results of the control experiment. Reducing with NaBH₄ reduced the amount of noble metal leaching. It also reduced the amount of formaldehyde and NMG after a period of use. TABLE 9 Results Using Catalyst Treated with NaBH₄ Run # 1 2 3 4 5 6 Glyphosate (%) 5.79 5.81 5.75 5.74 5.79 5.77 NPMIDA (%) 0.23 0.08 0.13 0.22 0.13 0.13 CH₂O (mg/g glyph) 28.5 31.5 47.8 38.8 41.6 45.8 HCO₂H (mg/g glyph) 70.2 90.5 100.5 96.6 98.8 99.0 AMPA/MAMPA (%) 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 NMG (mg/g glyph) 2.6 3.6 3.6 4.2 4.7 4.7 Pt in Soln. 8.64 8.60 5.22 6.96 6.91 5.20 (μg/g glyph.) % of Pt Lost 0.20 0.20 0.12 0.16 0.16 0.12

TABLE 10 Results Using Catalyst which was not treated with NaBH₄ Run # 1 2 3 4 5 6 Glyphosate (%) 5.36 5.63 5.37 5.50 5.56 5.59 NPMIDA (%) 0.18 0.15 0.25 0.21 0.18 0.23 CH₂O (%) 20.9 23.6 38.4 44.2 47.7 58.3 HCO₂H (%) 27.8 63.8 96.5 98.4 102.2 102.0 AMPA/MAMPA (%) 0.04 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.03 NMG (mg/g glyph) 1.5 3.0 5.4 6.9 10.6 7.3 Pt in Soln 63.6 62.2 44.7 34.6 28.8 28.6 (μg/g glyph.) % of Pt Lost 1.30 1.34 0.92 0.73 0.61 0.61

Example 13 Use of Bismuth as a Catalyst-Surface Promoter

A 500 g solution was prepared consisting of 10⁻³ M Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O in 10⁻³ M formic acid solution. This solution was added to 500 g of a 5% formaldehyde solution containing 6.0 g of 5% platinum on an activated carbon support. The solution was stirred at 40° C. under N₂ overnight and then filtered with a Buchner funnel. An aliquot was dried and subsequently analyzed by X-ray fluorescence. The catalyst had a loss on drying (“LOD”) of 63%. The dry catalyst was found to contain approximately 3% bismuth and 4% platinum.

The following were placed into a 300 ml stainless steel autoclave: 16.4 g of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid; 4.16 g of an activated carbon catalyst, 0.68 g of the above catalyst consisting of 3% bismuth/4% platinum on its surface, and 179.4 g of water. The reaction was conducted at a pressure of 65 psig, a temperature of 90° C., an oxygen flow rate of 38 ml/min., and a stir rate of 900 rpm. The reaction was allowed to proceed until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was depleted. The product solution was separated from the catalyst via filtration and the solution was neutralized with 6 g of 50% NaOH solution. The catalyst was recycled with no purge through 5 runs. Analysis of the product solution was done for each run. Two controls also were conducted in the same manner as above except that the 0.68 g of the Bi/Pt/carbon catalyst was omitted.

The results are shown in Table 11. The runs having the Bi/Pt/carbon catalyst produced lower levels of formaldehyde, formic acid, and NMG in the product. TABLE 11 NPMIDA Oxidation Results Using Pt/Bi/C Catalyst CONTROL CONTROL #1 #2 1ST RUN 2ND RUN 3RD RUN 4TH RUN 5TH RUN Glyphosate (%) 5.7 5.59 5.69 5.72 5.87 5.74 5.68 NPMIDA (%) ND ND 0.04 0.07 0.085 0.04 0.046 AMPA (%) 0.034 0.031 0.015 0.009 0.008 DBNQ¹ DBNQ CH₂O (mg/g glyph. prod.) 142 138 28 31 34 38 42 HCO₂H (mg/g glyph. 56 57 DBNQ 7 14 17 23 prod.) AMPA/MAMPA (%) 0.047 0.041 0.021 0.014 0.013 0.014 0.013 NMG (mg/g glyph. prod.) 16.3 19.3 0.7 0.9 1.4 2.3 2.6 ¹DBNQ = detectable, but not quantified

Example 14 Depositing a Tin Promoter on a Carbon Support

An activated carbon (20 g) was slurried in about 2 L of water. Next, 0.39 g of SnCl₂.2H₂O was dissolved in 500 g of 0.5% HNO₃. The solution was added dropwise to the carbon slurry. After all the solution was added, the slurry was stirred for 2 hours. The pH then was adjusted to 9.5, and the slurry was stirred for a few more hours. Next, the slurry was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water until the filtrate reached a constant conductivity. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum to give 1% tin on carbon. Following drying, the 1% tin on carbon was calcined in argon at 500° C. for 6 hours.

To deposit platinum onto the carbon support, 5 g of the 1% tin on carbon first was slurried in about 500 ml of water. Then 0.705 g of H₂PtCl₆ was dissolved in about 125 ml of water and added dropwise. After all the H₂PtCl₆ solution was added, the slurry was stirred for 2.5 hours. The pH then was adjusted to 9.5 with diluted NaOH and stirring was continued for a few more hours. The slurry then was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water until the filtrate reached constant conductivity. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum.

This technique produced a catalyst comprising 5% platinum and 1% tin on carbon.

Example 15 Depositing an Iron Promoter onto a Carbon Support

Approximately 5 g of activated carbon was slurried in about 500 ml of water. Next, 0.25 g of FeCl₃.6H₂O was dissolved in 75 ml of water. The solution was added dropwise to the carbon slurry. After all the solution was added, the slurry was stirred for two hours. The slurry then was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water until the filtrate reached a constant conductivity. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum to give 1% iron on carbon. Following drying, the 1% iron on carbon was calcined in argon at about 500° C. for 8 hours.

To deposit platinum onto the surface of the carbon support, 2.5 g of the 1% iron on carbon first was slurried in about 180 ml of water. Then, 0.355 g of H₂PtCl₆ was dissolved in about 70 ml of water and added dropwise. After all the solution was added, the slurry was stirred for three more hours. The pH then was adjusted to about 10.0 with diluted NaOH and stirring was continued for a few more hours. Next, the slurry was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water until the filtrate reached a constant conductivity. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum.

This technique produces a catalyst comprising 5% platinum and 1% iron on carbon.

Example 16 Effect of Presence of Noble Metal on the Surface of the Carbon Support

This example shows the advantages of using a carbon support having a noble metal on its surface for effecting the oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid rather than a carbon-only catalyst having no noble metal on its surface.

The N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction was conducted in the presence of a carbon-only catalyst which was deoxygenated using the single-step high-temperature deoxygenation technique #2 described in Example 2. The reaction was carried out in a 300 ml stainless steel reactor using 0.365% catalyst, 8.2% N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, a total reaction mass of 200 g, a pressure of 65 psig, a temperature of 90° C., an agitation rate of 900 rpm, and an oxygen feed rate of 38 ml/min.

Table 12 shows the reaction times (i.e., the time for at least 98% of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid to be consumed) of 5 cycles for the carbon-only catalyst. Table 12 also shows the reaction times for the two Pt-on-carbon catalysts in Example 12 over 6 cycles under the reaction conditions described Example 12. As may be seen from Table 12, the deactivation of the carbon-only catalyst per cycle generally tends to be greater (i.e., the reaction times tend to increase more per cycle) than the deactivation of the carbon catalysts which had a noble metal on their surfaces. The deactivation particularly appears to be less where the catalyst has been reduced with NaBH₄ after the noble metal was deposited onto the surface. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the deactivation of the catalyst reduced with NaBH₄ was less than the deactivation of the other Pt-on-carbon catalyst because the platinum on the NaBH₄ catalyst leached less than the platinum on the other Pt-on-carbon catalyst. See Example 12, Tables 9 & 10. TABLE 12 Results Using Catalyst which was not treated with NaBH₄ Run # 1 2 3 4 5 6 Run Time for 45.4 55.0 64.4 69.8 75.0 Carbon-Only Catalyst (min.) Run Time for 35.1 NA¹ NA 35.2 35.8 35.8 5% platinum on Carbon Catalyst which was Reduced w/ NaBH₄ (min.) Run Time for 40.4 42.0 44.2 44.1 44.9 52.7 5.23% platinum on Carbon Catalyst (min.) ¹Not available due to temperature problems.

Example 17 The Effect of Using a Catalyst Comprising a Noble Metal Alloyed with a Catalyst-Surface Promoter

This example shows the advantages of a catalyst comprising platinum alloyed with iron.

1. Catalyst Comprising Platinum Alloyed with Iron

To prepare the catalyst comprising platinum alloyed with iron, approximately 10 grams of an activated carbon was slurried in about 180 ml of water. Next, 0.27 grams of FeCl₃.6H₂O and 1.39 grams of H₂PtCl₆ hydrate were co-dissolved in about 60 ml of water. This solution was added dropwise to the carbon slurry over a period of about 30 minutes. During the addition, the pH of the slurry dropped and was maintained at from about 4.4 to about 4.8 using a dilute NaOH solution (i.e., a 1.0 to 2.5 molar solution of NaOH). Afterward, the slurry was stirred for 30 more minutes at a pH of about 4.7. The slurry then was heated under N₂ to 70° C. at a rate of about 2° C./min. while maintaining the pH at about 4.7. Upon reaching 70° C., the pH was raised slowly over a period of about 30 minutes to 6.0 with addition of the dilute NaOH solution. The stirring was continued for a period of about 10 min. until the pH became steady at about 6.0. The slurry was then cooled under N₂ to about 35° C. Subsequently, the slurry was filtered, and the cake was washed with approximately 800 ml of water 3 times. The cake was then dried at 125° C. under a vacuum. This produced a catalyst containing 5 wt. % platinum and 0.5 wt. % iron on carbon upon heating at 690° C. in 20% H₂ and 80% Ar for 1-6 hr.

This catalyst was analyzed via electron microscopy, as described in more detail in Example 19. An image obtained through TEM of the carbon support showed that the alloyed metal particles were highly dispersed and uniformly distributed throughout the carbon support (the white dots represent the metal particles; and the variations in the background intensity are believed to represent the change of the local density of the porous carbon). The average size of the particles was about 3.5 nm, and the average distance between particles was about 20 nm. A high energy resolution X-ray spectra from an individual metal particle of the catalyst showed that both platinum and iron peaks were present (the copper peaks originated from the scattering of the copper grids). Quantitative analysis of the high energy resolution X-ray spectra from different individual metal particles showed that the composition of the particles, within experimental error, did not vary with the size or the location of the metal particles on the catalyst surface.

2. Catalyst in which Platinum was Less Alloyed with Iron

To prepare the Pt/Fe/C catalyst in which the platinum was less alloyed with iron (i.e., this catalyst has less platinum alloyed with iron than does the first catalyst described in this example), the platinum and iron were deposited sequentially onto the surface of the carbon support. Approximately 5 grams of an activated carbon was slurried in about 500 ml of water. The pH was adjusted to about 5.0 with 1N HCl.

Next, about 0.25 grams of FeCl₃.6H₂O was dissolved in 75 ml of water. This solution was added dropwise to the carbon slurry over a period of about 60 min. After all the solution was added, the slurry was stirred for about 2 hours. The pH was adjusted to 9.5 with the dilute NaOH solution, and the slurry was stirred for a few more hours.

Afterward, the slurry was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum to produce 1 wt. % iron on carbon.

Following drying, this 1 wt. % iron on carbon was reduced with an atmosphere containing 20% H₂ and 80% Ar at 635° C. for 1-6 hr. About 2.5 grams of this 1 wt. % iron on carbon was slurried in 250 ml of water. Next, about 0.36 grams of H₂PtCl₆ hydrate was dissolved in 65 ml of water, which, in turn, was added dropwise to the slurry over a period of about 60 min. After all the solution was added, the slurry was stirred for 2 hours. The slurry then was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water. The cake was then re-slurried in 450 ml of water. After adjusting the pH of the slurry to 9.5 with the dilute NaOH solution, the slurry was stirred for about 45 min. Next, the slurry was filtered and washed once with 450 ml of water. The wet cake was the dried at 125° C. under vacuum. This produced a catalyst containing 5 wt. % platinum and 1 wt. % iron on carbon upon reduction by heating to a temperature of 660° C. in an atmosphere containing 20% H₂ and 80% Ar for 1-6 hr.

3. Comparison of the Two Catalysts

These two catalysts were compared while catalyzing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction. The reaction conditions were the same as those in Example 5. Table 13 shows the results. The first catalyst described in this example (i.e., the catalyst comprising a greater amount of platinum alloyed with iron) had greater stability with respect to CH₂O & HCO₂H activities; the second catalyst described in this example (i.e., the catalyst comprising a lower amount of platinum alloyed with iron) deactivated rapidly. In addition, the first catalyst retained almost half of its iron content over 25 cycles, while the second catalyst lost most of its iron in the first cycle. TABLE 13 Comparison of Catalyst Having Pt/Fe Alloy with Catalyst Having Less Pt/Fe Alloy cycle 1 cycle 2 cycle 3 cycle 4 cycle 5 cycle 6 cycle 7 cycle 8 cycle 9 cycle 10 cycle 11 cycle 12 cycle 13 Alloyed Pt & Fe CH₂O (mg/g glyph. 10.49 9.23 6.04 4.92 4.44 5.08 5.24 prod.) HCO₂H (mg/g glyph. 19.91 29.64 27.84 25.62 27.99 29.73 28.95 prod.) NMG (mg/g glyph. 0.22 0.44 0.28 0 0 0 0 prod.) Pt in soln. 5.08 4.87 3.6 3.06 (μg/g glyph. prod.) % of Fe Lost 44 1.9 1.2 0.8 Less alloyed Pt & Fe CH₂O (mg/g glyph. 10.16 10.7 12.24 13.56 14.68 prod.) HCO₂H (mg/g glyph. 27.23 37.72 45.01 54.57 61.14 prod.) NMG (mg/g glyph. 0 0.98 1.23 1.77 2 prod.) Pt in soln. 3.83 3.36 3.54 3.44 3.32 (μg/g glyph. prod.) % of Fe Lost 86 3.2 1.4 1.8 1.4

Example 18 Preparation of a Pt/Fe/Sn on Carbon Catalyst

Approximately 10 grams of an activated carbon was slurried in about 90 ml of water. Next, about 0.2 g of SnCl₂.2H₂O was dissolved in 250 ml of 0.025 M HCl. The solution was added dropwise to the carbon slurry. After all the solution was added, the slurry was stirred for 3 hr. The pH then was slowly adjusted to 9.0 with a diluted NaOH solution (i.e., a 1.0 to 2.5 molar solution of NaOH), and the slurry was stirred for a few more hours. Next, the slurry was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water until the filtrate reached a constant conductivity. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum. This produced 0.9 wt. % tin on carbon. About 6 grams of this 0.9 wt. % tin on carbon was slurried in about 500 ml of water. Then approximately 0.23 grams of Fe(NO₃)₃.9H₂O and 0.85 grams of H₂PtCl₆ were co-dissolved in about 150 ml of water and added dropwise to the slurry. After all the solution was added, the slurry was stirred for 4 hours, and then filtered to remove excess iron (˜80 wt. %). The wet cake was re-slurried in 480 ml of water. After the pH of the slurry was adjusted to 9-10 with the dilute NaOH solution, the slurry was stirred for a few more hours. Next, the slurry was filtered and washed with a plentiful amount of water until the filtrate reached a constant conductivity. The wet cake was dried at 125° C. under vacuum. This produced a catalyst containing 4.9 wt. % Pt, 0.9 wt. % tin and 0.1 wt. % iron on carbon upon high-temperature reduction by heating at 700-750° C. in 20% H₂ and 80% Ar for 1-6 hr.

Example 19 Electron Microscopy Characterization of Catalysts

Electron microscopy techniques were used to analyze the size, spatial distribution, and composition of the metal particles of catalysts prepared in Example 17. Before analyzing the catalyst, the catalyst was first embedded in an EM Bed 812 resin (Electron Microscopy Sciences, Fort Washington, Pa.). The resin was then polymerized at about 60° C. for approximately 24 hr. The resulting cured block was ultramicrotomed into slices having a thickness of about 50 nm. These slices were then transferred to 200 mesh copper grids for electron microscopy observation.

High-resolution analytical electron microscopy experiments were carried out in a Vacuum Generators dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope (model no. VG HB501, Vacuum Generators, East Brinstead, Sussex, England) with an image resolution of less than 0.3 nm. The microscope was operated at 100 kV. The vacuum in the specimen chamber area was below about 10⁻⁶ Pa. A digital image acquisition system (ES Vision Data Acquisition System, EmiSpec Sys., Inc., Tempe, Ariz.) was used to obtain high-resolution electron microscopy images. A windowless energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (Link LZ-5 EDS Windowless Detector, Model E5863, High Wycombe, Bucks, England) was used to acquire high energy resolution X-ray spectra from individual metal particles. Because of its high atomic-number sensitivity, high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) microscopy was used to observe the metal particles. An electron probe size of less than about 0.5 nm was used to obtain the HAADF images, and a probe size of less than about 1 nm was used to obtain high energy resolution X-ray spectra.

Example 20 Effect of a Supplemental Promoter

This example shows the use and advantages of mixing a supplemental promoter with a carbon-supported, noble-metal-containing oxidation catalyst.

A. Comparison of Effects on a NPMIDA Oxidation Reaction Caused by Mixing a Carbon-Supported, Noble-Metal-Containing Catalyst with Various Amounts and Sources of Bismuth

Several single batch N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reactions were conducted. In each reaction, a different source and a different amount of bismuth were added to the reaction medium. The source of bismuth was either (BiO)₂CO₃, Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O, or Bi₂O₃. The amount of bismuth used corresponded to a bismuth to N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid mass ratio of 1:10,000; 1:2,000; or 1:1,000. A control was also conducted wherein no bismuth was added.

Each N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction was conducted in the presence of a catalyst containing 5% by weight platinum and 0.5% by weight iron (this catalyst was prepared using a method similar to that described in Example 17). The reaction was carried out in a 1000 ml stainless steel reactor (Autoclave Engineers, Pittsburgh, Pa.) using 2.5 g catalyst (0.5% by weight of the total reaction mass), 60.5 g N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (12.1% by weight of the total reaction mass), 1000 ppm formaldehyde, 5000 ppm formic acid, a total reaction mass of 500 g, a pressure of 110 psig, a temperature of 100° C., and an agitation rate of 1000 rpm. The oxygen feed rate for the first 22 minutes was 392 ml/min., and then 125 ml/min. until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was essentially depleted.

Table 14 shows the results. In all the runs where a bismuth compound was added, the formaldehyde, formic acid, and NMG levels were less than those observed in the control. TABLE 14 Direct Addition of Various Sources and Amounts of Bismuth AMPA/ Amt. & source Glyph. NPMIDA CH₂O HCO₂H MAMPA NMG Run Time of Bi Added (%)** (%)** (mg/g)*** (mg/g)*** (mg/g)*** (mg/g)*** (min.) 0 (control) 8.2 ND 4.0 22.5 9.4 2.0 39.3 0.0074 g 8.1 ND 2.6 3.8 10.9 ND 54.1 (BiO)₂CO₃ (100 ppm*)  0.037 g 7.8 ND 1.8 1.4 14.5 ND 58.2 (BiO)₂CO₃ (500 ppm)  0.074 g 7.7 ND 2.0 1.3 16.4 ND 60.2 (BiO)₂CO₃ (1000 ppm) 0.0141 g 8.1 ND 2.4 3.0 11.2 ND 53.2 Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O (100 ppm)  0.070 g 7.7 ND 1.9 1.4 14.4 ND 58.5 Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O (500 ppm)  0.141 g 7.6 ND 2.0 1.2 16.2 ND 59.2 Bi(NO₃)₃.5H₂O (1000 ppm) 0.0067 g 8.1 ND 2.5 3.5 13.9 ND 48 Bi₂O₃ (100 ppm)  0.034 g 7.6 ND 2.0 1.4 15.1 ND 58.7 Bi₂O₃ (500 ppm)  0.067 g 7.6 ND 2.0 1.2 17.3 ND 60.6 Bi₂O₃ (1000 ppm) *ppm means a ratio of Bi to N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid equaling 1:1,000,000 **(mass ÷ total reaction mass) × 100% ***mg ÷ grams of glyphosate produced “ND” means none detected B. Effect of Bismuth Addition on Subsequent NPMIDA Oxidation Batches Contacted with the Catalyst

Four 6-run experiments (i.e., during each of the 4 experiments, 6 batch reactions were conducted in sequence) were conducted to determine the effect of (1) the initial bismuth addition on reaction runs subsequent to the initial bismuth addition, and (2) adding additional bismuth in one or more of the subsequent reaction runs.

All 4 experiments were conducted using a catalyst containing 5% by weight platinum and 0.5% by weight iron (this catalyst was prepared using a method similar to that described in Example 17). During each 6-run experiment, the same catalyst was used in each of the 6 runs (i.e., after the end of a run, the reaction product solution was separated and removed from the catalyst, and a new batch of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was then combined with the catalyst to begin a new run). The reaction was carried out in a 1000 ml stainless steel reactor (Autoclave Engineers) using 2.5 g catalyst (0.5% by weight of the total reaction mass), 60.5 g N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (12.1% by weight of the total reaction mass), 1000 ppm formaldehyde, 5000 ppm formic acid, a total reaction mass of 500 g, a pressure of 110 psig, a temperature of 100° C., and an agitation rate of 1000 rpm. The oxygen feed rate for the first 22 minutes was 392 ml/min., and then 125 ml/min. until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was essentially depleted.

In the control experiment, no bismuth was introduced into the reaction zone during any of the 6 runs. In the three other experiments, 0.034 grams of bismuth(III) oxide (i.e., Bi₂O₃) were introduced into the reaction medium at the beginning of the first reaction run. In one of these experiments, the bismuth oxide was only introduced into the reaction zone at the beginning of the first reaction run. In another experiment, 0.034 g of bismuth(III) oxide was introduced into the reaction medium at the beginning of the first and fourth reaction runs. In the final experiment, 0.034 g of bismuth(III) oxide was introduced into the reaction medium at the beginning of all 6 reaction runs.

Tables 15, 16, 17, and 18 show the results. The one-time addition of the bismuth oxide (data shown in Table 16) tended to give the same beneficial effects as adding the bismuth oxide every three runs (data shown in Table 17) or even every run (data shown in Table 18). TABLE 15 Control Experiment: 6-Run NPMIDA Oxidation Reaction with No Bismuth Addition Sample (unless otherwise indicated, taken after approx. all NPMIDA consumed) Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Run 5 Run 6 Glyphosate 8.2 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.5 8.4 (%)* NPMIDA (%)* ND 0.006 0.008 ND ND ND CH₂O 3.1 2.4 2.0 2.6 3.2 3.8 (mg/g)** HCO₂H 16 23 22 25 30 40 (mg/g)** AMPA/ 7.5 6.9 6.3 5.5 5.8 5.9 MAMPA (mg/g)** NMG (mg/g)** 0.5 1.7 1.4 1.6 2.8 4.9 Time (min.) 48.5 43.5 54.5 52.8 54.1 51.7 *(mass ÷ total reaction mass) × 100% **mg ÷ grams of glyphosate produced “ND” means none detected

TABLE 16 6-Run NPMIDA Oxidation Reaction with Bismuth Addition at Beginning of First Run Sample (unless otherwise indicated, taken after approx. all NPMIDA consumed) Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Run 5 Run 6 Glyphosate 7.8 8.6 8.5 8.6 8.6 7.7 (%)* NPMIDA (%)* ND ND ND ND ND 0.005 CH₂O 2.4 2.7 2.1 2.6 3.1 3.9 (mg/g)** HCO₂H DBNQ DBNQ DBNQ DBNQ DBNQ DBNQ (mg/g)** AMPA/ 15 11 10 9.9 8.6 10 MAMPA (mg/g)** NMG (mg/g)** ND ND ND ND ND ND Time (min.) 60.1 62.4 64.1 62.6 66.9 62 *(mass ÷ total reaction mass) × 100% **mg ÷ grams of glyphosate produced “ND” means none detected “DBNQ” means detected, but not quantified

TABLE 17 6-Run NPMIDA Oxidation Reaction with Bismuth Addition at Beginning of 1st and 4th Runs Sample (unless otherwise indicated, taken after approx. all NPMIDA consumed) Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Run 5 Run 6 Glyphosate 7.8 8.4 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.6 (%)* NPMIDA (%)* ND ND ND ND ND ND CH₂O 2.3 2.6 2.6 3.2 3.6 3.5 (mg/g)** HCO₂H 3.4 3.1 3.2 2.9 3.3 3.5 (mg/g)** AMPA/ 14 11 10 11 9.3 8.9 MAMPA (mg/g)** NMG (mg/g)** ND ND ND ND ND ND Time (min.) 57.4 63.2 64.3 64.9 66 64.5 *(mass ÷ total reaction mass) × 100% **mg ÷ grams of glyphosate produced “ND” means none detected

TABLE 18 6-Run NPMIDA Oxidation Reaction with Bismuth Addition at Beginning of Every Run Sample (unless otherwise indicated, taken after approx. all NPMIDA consumed) Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Run 5 Run 6 Glyphosate 7.8 8.5 8.2 8.3 8.3 8.3 (%)* NPMIDA (%)* ND ND ND ND ND ND CH₂O 2.4 2.8 3.2 2.9 3.4 4.0 (mg/g)** HCO₂H ND ND ND ND ND ND (mg/g)** AMPA/ 14 12 11 12 10 9.7 MAMPA (mg/g)** NMG (mg/g)** ND ND ND ND ND ND Time (min.) 56.4 62.4 64.8 62.8 66 66.1 *(mass ÷ total reaction mass) × 100% **mg ÷ grams of glyphosate produced “ND” means none detected C. Effect of a One-Time Bismuth Addition Over 20 NPMIDA Oxidation Runs Using a Platinum/Iron/Carbon Catalyst

Two 20-run experiments were conducted to determine the effect of a one-time bismuth addition on 20 N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction runs.

Both experiments were conducted using a catalyst containing 5% by weight platinum and 0.5% by weight iron (this catalyst was prepared using a similar method to the method described in Example 17). During each experiment, the same catalyst was used in each of the 20 runs. The reaction was carried out in a 1000 ml stainless steel reactor (Autoclave Engineers) using 2.5 g catalyst (0.5% by weight of the total reaction mass), 60.5 g N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (12.1% by weight of the total reaction mass), 1000 ppm formaldehyde, 5000 ppm formic acid, a total reaction mass of 500 g, a pressure of 110 psig, a temperature of 100° C., and an agitation rate of 1000 rpm. The oxygen feed rate for the first 22 minutes was 392 ml/min., and then 125 ml/min. until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was essentially depleted. In the control experiment, no bismuth was introduced into the reaction zone during any of the 20 runs. In the other experiment, 0.034 grams of bismuth(III) oxide was introduced into the reaction medium at the beginning of the first reaction run.

FIG. 15 compares the resulting formic acid concentration profiles. The one-time introduction of bismuth into the reaction zone decreased the formic acid concentration over all 20 runs.

D. Effect of a One-Time Bismuth Addition Over 30 NPMIDA Oxidation Runs Using a Platinum/Tin/Carbon Catalyst

Two 30-run experiments were conducted to determine the effect of a one-time bismuth addition on 30 N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction runs.

Both experiments were conducted using a catalyst containing 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin (this catalyst was prepared using a method similar to that described in Example 18). During each experiment, the same catalyst was used in each of the 30 runs. Each run was carried out in a 300 ml reactor (made of alloy metal, Hastelloy C, Autoclave Engineers) using 1.35 g catalyst (0.75% by weight of the total reaction mass), 21.8 g N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (12.1% by weight of the total reaction mass), 1000 ppm formaldehyde, 5000 ppm formic acid, a total reaction mass of 180 g, a pressure of 90 psig, a temperature of 100° C., and an agitation rate of 900 rpm. The oxygen feed rate for the first 26 minutes was 141 ml/min., and then 45 ml/min. until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was essentially depleted. In the control experiment, no bismuth was introduced into the reaction zone during any of the 30 runs. In the other experiment, 0.012 grams of bismuth (III) oxide was introduced into the reaction medium at the beginning of the first reaction run.

FIG. 16 compares the resulting formic acid concentration profiles, FIG. 17 compares the resulting formaldehyde concentration profiles, and FIG. 18 compares the resulting NMG concentration profiles. Even after 30 runs, the one-time introduction of bismuth into the reaction zone decreased the formic acid concentration by 98%, the formaldehyde concentration by 50%, and the NMG concentration by 90%.

E. Effect of Adding Bismuth to a Pt/Fe/C Catalyst that was Previously Used in 132 Batch NPMIDA Oxidation Reactions

A 14-run experiment was conducted to determine the effect mixing bismuth with a used Pt/Fe/C catalyst. Before this experiment, the catalyst had been used to catalyze 129 batch N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reactions. The fresh catalyst (i.e., the catalyst before it was used in the previous 129 N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation runs) was prepared using a method similar to the method described in Example 17, and contained 5% by weight platinum and 0.5% by weight iron.

The 14 N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction runs were carried out in a 300 ml reactor (made of alloy metal, Hastelloy C, Autoclave Engineers) using 0.9 g of spent catalyst (0.5% by weight), 21.8 g N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (12.1% by weight), 1000 ppm formaldehyde, 5000 ppm formic acid, a total reaction mass of 180 g, a pressure of 90 psig, a temperature of 100° C., and an agitation rate of 900 rpm. The oxygen feed rate for the first 26 minutes was 141 mL/min., and then 45 mL/min. until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was essentially depleted. At the beginning of the 4th run, 0.012 grams of bismuth(III) oxide was introduced into the reaction zone.

FIG. 19 shows the effects that the bismuth addition at the 4th run had on the formic acid, formaldehyde, and NMG by-product production.

F. Effect of Adding Bismuth to a Pt/Sn/C Catalyst that was Previously Used in 30 Batch NPMIDA Oxidation Reactions

An 11-run experiment was conducted to determine the effect of mixing bismuth with a used Pt/Sn/C catalyst. The catalyst had previously been used to catalyze 30 batch N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reactions. The fresh catalyst (i.e., the catalyst before it was used in the previous 30 N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation runs) was prepared using a method similar to that described in Example 18, and contained 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin.

The 11 N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid oxidation reaction runs were carried out in a 300 ml reactor (made of alloy metal, Hastelloy C, Autoclave Engineers) using 1.35 g of used catalyst (0.75% by weight of the total reaction mass), 21.8 g N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (12.1% by weight of the total reaction mass), 1000 ppm formaldehyde, 5000 ppm formic acid, a total reaction mass of 180 g, a pressure of 90 psig, a temperature of 100° C., and an agitation rate of 900 rpm. The oxygen feed rate for the first 26 minutes was 141 ml/min., and then 45 mL/min. until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was essentially depleted. At the beginning of the 4th run, 0.012 grams of bismuth(III) oxide was introduced into the reaction zone.

FIG. 20 shows the effects that the bismuth addition at the 4th run had on the formic acid, formaldehyde, and NMG by-product production.

G. Effect of Bismuth Addition on Over 100 Subsequent NPMIDA Oxidation Batches Contacted with the Catalyst

Two 125-run experiments were conducted to determine the effect of bismuth addition on over 100 subsequent reaction runs using the same catalyst.

Both experiments were conducted using a catalyst containing 5% by weight platinum and 1% by weight tin (this catalyst was prepared using a method similar to that described in Example 18). During each experiment, the same catalyst was used in all the runs. The reaction was carried out in a stirred tank reactor using 0.75% catalyst (by weight of the total reaction mass), 12.1% N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (by weight of the total reaction mass), a pressure of 128 psig, and a temperature of 100° C. The oxygen feed rate for the first part of each batch reaction (the exact amount of time varied with each batch from 14.9 to 20.3 minutes, with times closer to 14.9 minutes being used for the earlier batches, and times closer to 20.3 minutes being used for the later batches) was 1.3 mg/min. per gram total reaction mass, and then 0.35 mg/min. per gram total reaction mass until the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid was essentially depleted. A portion of the reaction product from each batch was evaporated off and returned to the reactor as a source of formaldehyde and formic acid to act as sacrificial reducing agents in the next batch reaction. The amounts of formaldehyde and formic acid recycled back to the reactor ranged from 100 to 330 ppm, and from 0 ppm to 2300 ppm (0 to 200 ppm formic acid after 25 batches following the addition of bismuth(III) oxide), respectively.

In the control experiment, no bismuth was introduced into the reaction zone during any of the 125 runs. In the other experiment, the catalyst was first used to catalyze 17 batches of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid. After catalyzing the 17th batch, the catalyst was substantially separated from the reaction product, and the resulting catalyst mixture was transferred to a catalyst holding tank where 9.0 mg of bismuth(III) oxide per gram of catalyst were introduced into the catalyst mixture. The catalyst was then used to catalyze the oxidation of 107 subsequent batches of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid.

FIG. 21 compares the resulting formic acid concentration profiles, FIG. 22 compares the resulting formaldehyde concentration profiles, and FIG. 23 compares the resulting NMG concentration profiles. Even after 107 runs, the one-time introduction of bismuth into a mixture with the catalyst decreased the formic acid and NMG concentrations by roughly 90%.

Example 21 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate with Partially Spent Catalyst and the Use of a Supplemental Promoter

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of N-(phosphonomethyl) iminodiacetic acid (“NPMIDA”) to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”) in a continuous oxidation reactor system utilizing a previously used catalyst and a supplemental promoter. The experiment was designed to simulate the conditions that might prevail in a first reaction zone, particularly where crystallizer mother liquor containing reaction product is recycled to the reaction zone.

The reaction was performed in a continuous reactor system utilizing a 2-liter Hastelloy C autoclave (Autoclave Engineers Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.). The reactor was equipped with an agitator having a 1.25″ diameter six-blade turbine impeller, which was operated at 1600 RPM. The liquid level in the reactor was monitored using a Drexelbrook Universal III™ Smart Level™, with a teflon-coated sensing element. An internal cooling coil was utilized to control the temperature within the reactor during the course of the reaction.

During operation, the reactor was continuously fed an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA and a gaseous stream of oxygen. The oxygen was introduced into the reaction medium through a frit located near the impeller. A liquid product stream containing the product N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”) was continuously withdrawn from the reactor through a frit, which allowed any catalyst charged to the reactor to remain in the reaction medium. The product gas stream (containing CO₂ and unreacted oxygen) was continuously vented from the reactor headspace.

The reaction was begun by charging an aqueous slurry feed material (1420 grams) and catalyst (29.3 grams or about 2 wt % catalyst in reaction mass) to the reactor. The aqueous slurry feed material contained NPMIDA (7.53% by weight), glyphosate (2.87% by weight), formaldehyde (2127 ppm by weight) and formic acid (3896 ppm by weight). The feed slurry also contained NaCl (about 450 ppm by weight) to mimic low level chloride impurity typically present in commercially available NPMIDA. The catalyst, which was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above, comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. The catalyst had been previously used under conditions similar to those described in Example 20.

The reactor was sealed to prevent any liquid inlet or outlet flow. The reaction mixture was heated to about 105° C. and brought to a pressure of about 100 psig with nitrogen. Oxygen flow (1000 sccm) was initiated and the reaction was run with no liquid inlet or outlet flow for about 15 minutes. After this initial 15 minutes, slurry feed (70.4 g/min) was initiated, and reaction liquid was continuously withdrawn to maintain a constant reactor level as indicated by the Drexelbrook level indicator described above. After about 55 minutes, the oxygen flow was lowered slightly to 800 sccm. After about 280 minutes of operation at an oxygen flow of 800 sccm, Bi₂O₃ (0.0336 grams) was injected into the reactor as a supplemental promoter. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical results of the continuous oxidation reaction are shown in Table 19 below. Also, FIG. 24 shows profiles for formaldehyde and formic acid in the product liquid while the oxygen flow was 800 sccm. TABLE 19 Oxidation Results from HPLC for Example 21 Time NPMIDA Glyphosate Formaldehyde Formic Acid (min)¹ (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) 55 0.85 7.74 3977 4758 172 1.43 7.48 3078 5338 270 1.37 7.52 3137 5545 347 2.41 6.87 2872 1395 405 2.42 6.97 2801 1385 464 2.48 6.99 2887 1474 492 2.27 7.01 2881 1472 ¹Time after slurry feed started.

Example 22 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Previously Used Pt/Fe/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate using a previously used heterogeneous particulate catalyst. The experiment was designed to simulate the conditions that might prevail in a first reaction zone of a continuous reactor system, particularly where crystallizer mother liquor containing reaction product is recycled to the reaction zone.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system similar to that described in Example 21 above. The reaction was begun by charging an aqueous slurry feed material (1424 grams) and a heterogeneous particulate catalyst (29.3 grams or about 2% catalyst by weight of reaction mass) to the reactor. The aqueous slurry feed material contained NPMIDA (7.01% by weight), glyphosate (2.88% by weight), formaldehyde (2099.9 ppm by weight) and formic acid (4690 ppm by weight). The slurry feed also contained NaCl (about 450 ppm by weight) to mimic low level chloride impurity typically present in commercially available NPMIDA. The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. The catalyst had been previously used under conditions similar to those described in Example 20.

The reactor was sealed to prevent any liquid inlet or outlet flow. The reaction mixture was heated to about 107° C. and brought to a pressure of about 100 psig with nitrogen. Oxygen flow (900 sccm) was initiated and the reaction was run with no liquid inlet or outlet flow for about 13 minutes. After this initial 13 minutes, slurry feed (70.4 g/min) was initiated, and reaction liquid was continuously withdrawn to maintain a constant reactor level as indicated by the Drexelbrook level indicator described in Example 21 above. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical results for the continuous oxidation reaction are shown in Table 20 below. Profiles for glyphosate produced and NPMIDA reactant remaining in the product liquid are shown in FIG. 25. TABLE 20 Oxidation Results for Example 22 Time NPMIDA Glyphosate (min)¹ (wt %) (wt %) 94 0.67 7.10 138 0.55 7.02 192 0.50 7.12 274 0.46 7.09 358 0.47 7.06 ¹Time after slurry feed started.

Example 23 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Fe/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a fresh Pt/Fe/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst (at a relatively low catalyst concentration) over an extended period of time. The experiment was designed to simulate the conditions that might prevail in a first reaction zone, particularly where crystallizer mother liquor containing reaction product is recycled to the reaction zone.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system similar to that described in Example 21 above. The reaction was begun by charging the reactor with an aqueous slurry feed material (1447 grams) and a heterogeneous particulate catalyst (3.63 grams or about 0.25 wt % catalyst in reaction mass). The aqueous slurry feed material contained NPMIDA (3.45% by weight), glyphosate (1.55% by weight), formaldehyde (1140 ppm by weight) and formic acid (2142 ppm by weight). The feed slurry also contained NaCl (about 450 ppm) to mimic low level chloride impurity typically present in commercially available NPMIDA. The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. The catalyst had not been previously used.

The reactor was sealed to prevent any liquid inlet or outlet flow. The reaction mixture was heated to about 100° C. and brought to a pressure of about 100 psig with nitrogen. Oxygen flow (300 sccm) was initiated and the reaction was run with no liquid inlet or outlet flow for about 22 minutes. After the initial 22 minutes, slurry feed (70.4 g/min) was initiated, and reaction liquid was continuously withdrawn to maintain a constant reactor level as indicated by the Drexelbrook level indicator described in Example 21 above. The reactor system was allowed to run for about 4300 minutes, after which time the liquid flow rate was doubled to effectively reduce the reactor liquid residence time by a factor of two. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical results for the continuous oxidation are shown in Table 21 below. Profiles for glyphosate produced and NPMIDA reactant remaining in the product liquid are shown in FIG. 26. TABLE 21 Oxidation Results for Example 23 Time NPMIDA Glyphosate (min)¹ (wt %) (wt %) 66 0.72 3.59 130 0.76 3.61 488 0.85 3.67 994 0.89 3.68 1343 0.73 3.65 1476 0.76 3.63 1918 0.89 3.61 2458 0.81 3.59 2679 0.81 3.65 2807 0.80 3.63 3072 0.98 3.67 3893 0.88 3.62 4113 0.89 3.54 4215 0.86 3.56 4314 1.99 2.73 4334 2.11 2.82 ¹Time after slurry feed started.

Example 24 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in Two Stirred Tank Reactors in Series

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in a continuous reactor system comprising two stirred tank reactors staged in series.

Referring to FIG. 27, the experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system comprising two reactors and a crystallizer. The two reactors (each 1 gallon stainless steel autoclaves from Autoclave Engineers, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.) were operated continuously as stirred tank reactors in series. The continuous reactor system was arranged so that aqueous slurry feed material was continuously introduced into the first reaction zone (reactor R1). Liquid effluent was continuously withdrawn from R1 and introduced into the second reaction zone (reactor R2). Liquid effluent was continuously withdrawn from R2 and introduced into the crystallizer for product recovery of a glyphosate slurry. Oxygen was fed independently to each reaction zone, while product gas was vented from each reactor independently. Oxygen gas was introduced into R1 through a frit located near an agitator impeller (2″ turbine blade impeller). Oxygen gas was introduced into R2 in the headspace above the liquid level and a DISPERSIMAX type 2.5″ impeller was utilized to effectively back-mix the headspace gas into the reaction zone. The temperature of the reaction mass in each reactor was controlled by an internal cooling coil. Liquid effluent was removed from R1 via a frit, which allowed the heterogeneous catalyst to remain in R1. Similarly, liquid effluent was removed from R2 via a frit to maintain the heterogeneous catalyst inside of R2. The reaction mass/volume in each reactor was maintained constant.

The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactors were started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly afterward. The feed material was an aqueous slurry containing NPMIDA (about 7.6% by weight), glyphosate (about 2.8% by weight), formaldehyde (about 2200 ppm by weight) and formic acid (about 4500 ppm by weight). A low level of NaCl (about 450 ppm) was also added to the feed to mimic chloride impurity typically present in commercially available NPMIDA. The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. Aqueous slurry feed material and catalyst were charged to each reactor to give about 2% by weight catalyst concentration in each reactor, where the target total reactor masses were 2693 grams and 1539 grams respectively for R1 and R2.

The operating conditions are summarized in Table 22 below. Analytical results for the aqueous slurry feed composition, R1 liquid and gas effluent, and R2 liquid and gas effluent, which were analyzed by HPLC, are shown in Table 23 below. TABLE 22 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 24. R1 R2 Catalyst Concentration in reactor: 2 wt % 2 wt % Agitator RPM: 1000 1200 Liquid Flow: 128 ml/min 128 ml/min Pressure: 116 psig 90 psig Oxygen Flow Rate: ˜1840 sccm ˜390 sccm Temperature: 100° C. 105° C. Reaction Mass: 2693 g 1539 g Impeller Type: radial (2″) DISPERSIMAX (2.5″)

TABLE 23 Oxidation Results for Example 24. Elapsed Time NPMIDA Glyphosate Formaldehyde Formic Acid (hrs) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) Reactor Feed 8.13 2.98 2348.5 5562.6 1.3 7.50 2.84 2290.0 4620.9 2.5 7.45 2.74 2244.2 4515.9 3.6 7.45 2.74 2244.2 4515.9 4.5 7.45 2.74 2244.2 4515.9 5.5 7.79 2.84 2271.0 4590.0 6.5 7.79 2.84 2271.0 4590.0 7.5 7.57 2.81 2286.8 4584.9 8.8 7.57 2.81 2286.8 4584.9 First Reactor (R1) Outlet 1.3 0.38 7.15 385.4 6115.1 2.5 0.41 6.65 328.1 4297.7 3.6 1.18 6.83 300.2 4841.8 4.5 0.79 6.56 307.2 4746.3 5.5 1.07 6.81 317.1 5193.0 6.5 0.88 6.48 323.6 5045.8 7.5 0.90 6.50 315.6 4976.0 8.8 1.38 6.42 323.0 5305.2 Second Reactor (R2) Outlet 1.3 0.03 6.84 475.9 3680.4 2.5 0.00 6.96 194.7 1048.1 3.6 0.02 7.23 424.0 3702.4 4.5 0.00 6.97 534.4 3006.4 5.5 0.00 7.27 1025.5 6176.5 6.5 0.00 6.89 1524.2 5471.0 7.5 0.01 6.97 1663.9 5468.1 8.8 0.03 7.07 1883.0 5808.2

Example 25 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in Two Stirred Tank Reactors in Series

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in a continuous reactor system comprising two stirred tank reactors in series where the liquid effluent from the second reactor is sent to a crystallizer for glyphosate recovery and the resulting mother liquor is recycled from the crystallizer back to the first reactor as part of the reactor feed.

Referring to FIG. 28, Example 25 was conducted in a continuous reactor system similar to that described in Example 24 above, except that mother liquor from the crystallizer was recycled back to the first reactor R1. The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactors were started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly afterward. The crystallizer (30 L) was initially charged with an aqueous slurry feed material comprising NPMIDA (0.16% by weight), glyphosate (2.0% by weight), formaldehyde (2754 ppm by weight) and formic acid (5637 ppm by weight) and was operated at about 60° C. and 1 atm pressure. The slurry feed system was charged with an aqueous slurry feed material comprising NPMIDA (about 25% by weight). The catalyst used was similar to the heterogeneous particulate catalyst used in Example 24.

Aqueous slurry and catalyst were charged to each reactor to give about 2% by weight catalyst concentration in each reactor, where the target total reactor masses were 2693 grams and 1539 grams respectively for R1 and R2. After the initial batch runs, liquid flow through the system was initiated. Liquid entering R1 comprised the aqueous slurry feed material (about 40 ml/min) and mother liquor recycle (about 80 ml/min) from the crystallizer. The liquid level in each reactor was controlled during the run to maintain a constant reaction mass in each reactor, targeting hydraulic residence times of 21 minutes and 12.2 minutes in R1 and R2, respectively, and giving a total liquid flow through the system of about 120 ml/min.

The operating conditions are summarized in Table 24 below. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical results for the aqueous slurry feed composition, R1 liquid effluent, and R2 liquid effluent are shown in Table 25 below. The elapsed time refers to the time period after which continuous liquid flow was initiated. TABLE 24 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 25. R1 P2 Catalyst Concentration in reactor: 2 wt % 2 wt % Agitator RPM: 1015 1005 Combined Liquid Flow 121 ml/min 121 ml/min Through System: Pressure: 116 psig 89 psig Oxygen Flow Rate: ˜1660 sccm ˜280 sccm Temperature: 100° C. 106° C. Reaction Mass: 2545 g 1592 g Impeller Type: radial (2″) DISPERSIMAX 2.5″

TABLE 25 Oxidation Results for Example 25. Elapsed Time NPMIDA Glyphosate Formaldehyde Formic Acid (hrs) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) First Reactor (R1) Outlet 1.3 1.50 6.99 849.8 3202.0 2.9 0.45 8.16 1053.5 2789.3 4.1 0.62 8.40 1199.4 3178.0 5.0 0.65 8.07 1240.8 3348.6 6.1 1.21 7.51 1294.7 3701.1 Second Reactor (R2) Outlet 1.3 2.11 6.50 374.2 1682.3 2.9 0.27 8.02 501.0 2171.4 4.1 0.15 8.55 451.0 2678.0 5.0 0.12 8.49 564.4 3107.5 6.1 0.19 8.02 577.3 3505.7

Example 26 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Sn/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Sn/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a stirred tank reactor. The experiment was designed to simulate conditions that might prevail in a second reaction zone of a continuous reactor system.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system comprising a 500 ml Hastelloy C autoclave (Autoclave Engineers, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.). The reactor was equipped with an agitator having a 1.25″ diameter radial six-blade turbine impeller. The liquid level in the reactor was monitored using a level indicator similar to that described in Example 21 above. An internal cooling coil was utilized to control the temperature within the reactor during the course of the reaction.

During operation, the reactor was continuously fed a gaseous stream of oxygen and an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA. The oxygen was introduced into the reaction medium through a frit located near the impeller. A liquid product stream containing glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor through a frit, which allowed any catalyst charged to the reactor to remain in the reaction medium. The withdrawn liquid product stream was mixed in-line with a basic solution capable of dissolving glyphosate. The product gas stream (containing CO₂ and unreacted oxygen) was continuously vented from the reactor headspace.

The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactor was started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly afterward. The aqueous slurry feed material comprised NPMIDA (2.46% by weight), glyphosate (3.72% by weight), formaldehyde (1381 ppm by weight) and formic acid (6485 ppm by weight). The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 14 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and tin (1.0% by weight) on a particulate carbon support.

The operating conditions are summarized in Table 26 below. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical data from the oxidation run are shown in Table 27 below. TABLE 26 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 26. Catalyst Concentration in Reaction Mass: 1 wt % Agitator RPM: 1000 Liquid Flow: 30.8 ml/min Pressure: 100 psig Gas Flow Rate: 270 sccm Temperature: 100° C. Reaction Mass: 300 g

TABLE 27 Oxidation Results for Example 26. Feed Composition — NPMIDA (wt %) Glyphosate (wt %) — 2.46 3.72 Reactor Effluent Elapsed Time (mins) NPMIDA (wt %) Glyphosate (wt %) 120 0.07 5.47 1200 0.09 5.58 2500 0.12 5.45 3500 0.15 5.47

Example 27 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Sn/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Sn/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a stirred tank reactor. The experiment was designed to simulate conditions that might prevail in a second reaction zone of a continuous reactor system. Also, the oxygen flow rate was varied to illustrate the impact of various oxygen flow rates on conversion.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system similar to the reactor system described in Example 26 above. During operation, the reactor was continuously fed a gaseous stream of oxygen and an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA. The oxygen was introduced into the reaction medium through a frit located near the impeller. A liquid product stream containing glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor through a frit, which allowed any catalyst charged to the reactor to remain in the reaction medium. The withdrawn liquid product stream was mixed in-line with a basic solution capable of dissolving glyphosate. The product gas stream (containing CO₂ and unreacted oxygen) was continuously vented from the reactor headspace.

The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactor was started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly afterward. The aqueous slurry feed material comprised NPMIDA (about 2.8% by weight), glyphosate (about 4.2% by weight), formaldehyde (about 1425 ppm by weight) and formic acid (about 6570 ppm by weight). The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 14 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and tin (1.0% by weight) on a particulate carbon support.

The operating conditions are summarized in Table 28 below. During the course of this experiment, the oxygen flow rate to the reactor was ramped up and ramped back down over the range of from 75 to 300 sccm. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical data from the continuous oxidation are shown in Table 29 below. TABLE 28 Operating Conditions for Example 27 Catalyst Concentration in reactor: 1 wt % Agitator RPM: 1000 Liquid Flow: 30 ml/min Pressure: 10 psig Oxygen Flow Rate: variable (75-300 sccm) Temperature: 100° C. Reaction Mass: 300 g Impeller Type: radial (1.25″)

TABLE 29 Oxidation Results for Example 27 Feed Composition NPMIDA Glyphosate Formaldehyde Formic (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) Acid (ppm) 2.83 4.17 1425.1 6569.8 Reactor Outlet Composition Formic O2 Elapsed NPMIDA Glyphosate Formaldehyde Acid Flow Time (hrs) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) (sccm) 0.0 1.1 4.59 1699.5 5463.1 74.7 0.4 1.8 4.86 1543.7 6067.0 49.7 0.7 1.98 4.74 1431.7 6020.5 49.8 1.0 2.02 4.90 1478.1 6105.2 52.7 1.4 1.97 4.80 1474.0 6209.0 54.7 1.7 1.91 4.73 1441.3 5806.0 54.7 2.0 1.67 4.93 1588.8 6006.9 74.7 2.4 1.54 5.03 1590.2 6135.3 74.7 2.7 1.63 5.20 1625.7 6280.1 74.7 3.0 1.64 5.19 1591.5 6015.1 74.8 3.4 1.61 5.00 1547.8 5834.7 74.7 3.7 1.61 5.12 1541.0 5864.8 74.7 4.0 1.58 5.15 1566.9 5791.0 74.7 4.4 1.61 5.23 1565.6 6274.6 74.7 4.7 0.66 6.01 2099.7 6337.5 149.8 5.0 0.51 6.20 2109.3 6036.9 149.6 5.4 0.46 5.81 1976.8 5688.5 149.8 5.7 0.47 6.04 2094.3 5849.7 149.8 6.0 0.45 6.04 2109.3 5785.5 149.8 6.4 0.45 6.15 2157.1 6101.1 149.8 6.7 0.41 5.70 2016.4 5489.1 149.8 7.0 0.38 5.38 1907.1 5213.1 149.8 7.4 0.41 5.79 2056.0 5531.4 149.8 7.7 0.44 6.26 2230.9 5949.5 149.8 8.0 0.35 6.43 2337.4 6083.4 166.0 8.4 0.48 6.09 2356.6 6147.6 210.6 8.7 0.33 6.37 2665.3 6464.5 224.9 9.0 0.34 6.24 2684.4 6308.8 224.9 9.4 0.36 6.30 2741.8 6412.6 224.9 9.7 0.19 6.58 2680.3 6340.2 224.7 10.0 0.22 6.54 2530.1 6367.5 224.7 10.4 0.20 6.52 2560.1 6256.9 224.7 10.7 0.18 5.51 2163.9 5241.8 224.7 11.0 0.22 6.37 2502.7 6202.2 224.7 11.4 0.23 6.73 2648.9 6449.5 224.7 11.7 0.20 6.35 2517.8 6131.2 224.7 12.0 0.16 5.11 1987.7 4889.4 224.7 12.4 0.20 6.04 2430.3 5877.1 224.7 12.7 0.13 6.67 2777.3 6276.0 299.7 13.0 0.13 6.73 2844.3 6349.8 299.7 13.4 0.15 6.61 2808.8 6204.9 299.7 13.7 0.08 5.57 2323.8 5144.8 299.7 14.0 0.10 6.61 2704.9 6215.9 299.8 14.4 0.14 6.80 2774.6 5810.1 299.8 14.7 0.13 6.89 2845.6 6147.6 299.8 15.0 0.12 6.86 2871.6 6232.3 299.8 15.3 0.11 6.53 2745.9 5874.3 299.8 15.7 0.13 6.28 2668.0 5654.4 299.8 16.0 0.15 6.86 2923.5 6360.7 299.8 16.3 0.16 6.86 2970.0 6702.2 299.8 16.7 0.17 6.57 2874.3 6459.0 224.8 17.0 0.23 6.53 2789.6 6508.2 224.8 17.3 0.24 6.57 2822.4 6403.0 224.8 17.7 0.25 6.63 2822.4 6580.2 224.8 18.0 0.23 6.39 2736.3 6385.3 224.8 18.3 0.22 6.19 2668.0 6189.9 224.8 18.7 0.23 6.53 2811.5 6546.5 224.8 19.0 0.24 6.52 2792.4 6445.4 224.8 19.3 0.24 6.20 2655.7 6138.0 224.8 19.7 0.35 6.49 2752.7 6278.7 224.8 20.0 0.48 6.23 2572.4 6460.4 149.8 20.3 0.53 6.15 2513.7 6030.1 149.8 20.7 0.50 6.34 2542.4 6143.5 149.8 21.0 0.51 6.31 2527.3 6113.4 149.8 21.3 0.48 6.31 2527.3 6050.6 149.8 21.7 0.48 6.42 2523.2 5885.3 149.8 22.0 0.46 6.16 2430.3 5655.8 149.8 22.3 0.48 6.38 2521.9 6032.8 149.8 22.7 0.45 6.12 2426.2 5695.4 149.8 23.0 0.46 6.26 2480.9 5868.9 149.8 23.3 1.18 6.20 2117.5 6220.0 74.8 23.7 1.30 5.87 1956.3 5970.0 74.8 24.0 1.61 5.68 1916.7 5909.9 74.8 24.3 1.50 5.61 1795.1 5720.0 74.8 24.7 1.61 5.85 1847.0 5862.0 74.8 25.0 1.68 5.87 1908.5 6599.8 74.8 25.3 1.69 5.83 1868.9 6653.0 74.8 25.7 1.60 5.57 1773.2 6460.4 74.8 26.0 1.71 5.75 1837.4 6577.9 74.8 26.3 1.60 5.46 1751.4 6299.2 74.8 26.7 1.65 5.71 1827.9 6416.7 74.8 27.0 1.64 5.60 1811.5 6433.1 74.8 27.3 1.63 5.63 1826.5 6297.8 74.8

Example 28 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in Two Stirred Tank Reactors in Series

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in a continuous reactor system comprising two stirred tank reactors in series. In this example, the particulate heterogenous catalyst was transferred from the first reactor to the second reactor. The catalyst exited the second reactor with the second reactor liquid effluent, was separated by filtration, and recycled back to the first reactor zone.

Referring to FIG. 29, the reaction was performed in a continuous reactor system comprising two stirred tank reactors, a slurry feed system and a catalyst filtration system. The two reactors (each 1 gallon stainless steel autoclaves from Autoclave Engineers, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.) were operated continuously as stirred tank reactors in series. Oxygen was fed to each respective reactor. Liquid effluent was withdrawn from the first reactor (R1) through a dip-tube which allowed for catalyst to be entrained with the liquid effluent from R1 to the second reactor (R2). Some reaction product gases were also entrained in the dip-tube from R1 to R2, and other reaction product gases in R1 were vented from the reactor. Similarly, liquid effluent was withdrawn from R2 through a dip-tube, which allowed for catalyst and some reaction product gases to be removed with the effluent. R2 liquid effluent which contained the catalyst was transferred to a catalyst filtration system. The catalyst filtration system generated an uninterrupted flow of catalyst-free filtrate as product. A filter back wash was fed to the catalyst filtration system to wash the filtered catalyst back to R1 in a continuous fashion. Oxygen was introduced into R1 and R2 through frits which were each located near an agitator impeller (2″ turbine blade impeller in both R1 and R2). An internal cooling coil was used to control the temperature in each reactor.

An aqueous slurry feed material containing about 25% by weight NPMIDA was fed to the reactor at a rate of about 50 ml/min. The filter back wash contained NPMIDA (about 3% by weight), glyphosate (about 0.1% by weight), formaldehyde (about 3000 ppm by weight), and formic acid (about 7000 ppm by weight). The filter back wash was returned to R1 at a rate of about 100 ml/min. The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. Catalyst was charged to the reactor system to provide an initial concentration of about 1% by weight catalyst. The reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 24 in that the reactors were started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly thereafter.

The operating conditions are summarized in Table 30 below. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Oxidation results are shown in Table 31 below. Table 31 gives data describing the inlet stream composition into R1 (including the combined from the catalyst filtration back-wash and the aqueous slurry feed) and liquid effluent compositions for R1 and R2. TABLE 30 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 28 R1 R2 Catalyst Concentration in reactor: ˜1 wt % ˜1 wt % Agitator RPM: ˜1000 ˜1000 Liquid Flow (combined through ˜150 ml/min ˜150 ml/min reactors): Pressure: 120-140 psig 120-140 psig Oxygen Flow Rate: 2000-2500 sccm ˜400 sccm Temperature: ˜100-105° C. ˜105° C. Reaction Mass: ˜2950 g ˜1726 g Impeller Type: radial (2″) radial (2″)

TABLE 31 Oxidation Results for Example 28 NPMIDA Glyphosate Elapsed Time (hrs) (wt %) (wt %) Formaldehyde (ppm) Formic Acid (ppm) Feed Composition 20.9 8.08 1.81 1778.0 4650.0 23.8 8.38 1.80 1757.2 4400.5 30.3 8.54 1.77 1518.5 4560.5 33.8 8.55 1.78 1522.8 4573.5 First Reactor (R1) Outlet 20.9 3.50 7.87 668.0 4384.2 23.8 3.44 7.32 651.6 4425.4 30.3 2.87 8.43 756.7 5057.3 33.8 2.71 8.39 798.8 5206.4 Second Reactor (R2) Outlet 20.9 2.55 8.04 302.5 3382.5 23.8 3.27 7.71 258.7 3791.2 30.3 0.40 6.98 — 4017.3 33.8 1.81 8.24 312.5 3945.7

Example 29 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Sn/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Sn/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst. The experiment was designed to simulate reaction conditions that might prevail in a first stirred tank reaction zone of a continuous reactor system.

The experiment was conducted in continuous reactor system similar to that described in Example 26 with the exception that a 1000 ml Hastelloy C autoclave was used. The reactor was equipped with an agitator having a 1.25″ diameter radial six-blade turbine impeller. The liquid level in the reactor was monitored using a level indicator similar to that used in Example 21. An internal cooling coil was utilized to control the temperature within the reactor during the course of the reaction.

During operation, the reactor was continuously fed a gaseous stream of oxygen and an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA. The oxygen was introduced into the reaction medium through a frit located near the impeller. A liquid product stream containing glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor through a frit, which allowed any catalyst charged to the reactor to remain in the reaction medium. The withdrawn liquid product stream was then mixed in-line with a basic solution capable of dissolving glyphosate. The product gas stream (containing CO₂ and unreacted oxygen) was continuously vented from the reactor headspace.

The aqueous slurry feed material comprised NPMIDA (about 7.7% by weight), formaldehyde (about 3000 ppm by weight) and formic acid (about 6100 ppm by weight). The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 14 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and tin (1.0% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactor was started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly thereafter. The operating conditions are summarized in Table 32 below. Analytical data from the continuous oxidation are shown in Table 33 below. TABLE 32 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 29. Catalyst Concentration in reactor: 1 wt % Agitator RPM: 1000 Liquid Flow: 30.8 ml/min Pressure: 100 psig Oxygen Flow Rate: 647 sccm Temperature: 100° C. Reaction Mass: 725 g Impeller Type: radial (1.25″)

TABLE 33 Oxidation Results for Example 29. Feed Composition NPMIDA (wt %) Glyphosate (wt %) 7.73 0.00 Reactor Outlet Elapsed Time (hrs) NPMIDA (wt %) Glyphosate (wt %) 0.0 0.04 1.35 0.5 0.29 4.42 1.0 0.34 4.91 1.5 0.41 5.18 2.0 0.58 5.55 2.5 0.97 6.50

Example 30 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Sn/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Sn/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a continuous reactor system having a single reaction zone.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system similar to that described in Example 27 above comprising a 500 ml Hastelloy C autoclave (Autoclave Engineers, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.). The reactor was equipped with an agitator having a 1.25″ diameter radial six-blade turbine impeller. The liquid level in the reactor was monitored using a level indicator similar to that described in Example 21 above. An internal cooling coil was utilized to control the temperature within the reactor during the course of the reaction.

During operation, the reactor was continuously fed a gaseous stream of oxygen and an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA. The oxygen was introduced into the reaction medium through a frit located near the impeller. A liquid product stream containing glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor through a frit, allowing any catalyst charged to the reactor to remain in the reaction medium. The product gas stream (containing CO₂ and unreacted oxygen) was continuously vented from the reactor headspace.

The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactor was started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly afterward. The aqueous slurry feed material comprised NPMIDA (about 2.9 wt %). The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 14 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and tin (1.0% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. The operating conditions are summarized below in Table 34. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical data from the continuous oxidation are shown in Table 35 below. TABLE 34 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 30 Catalyst Concentration in reactor: 1 wt % Agitator RPM: 1000 Liquid Flow: 15.3 ml/min Pressure: 100 psig Oxygen Flow Rate: 150 sccm Temperature: 95° C. Reaction Mass: 300 g Impeller Type: radial (1.25″)

TABLE 35 Oxidation Results for Example 30 Elapsed Time NPMIDA Glyphosate Formaldehyde Formic Acid (hrs) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) 0.0 2.87 0.00 4.6 14.9 0.3 2.94 0.01 13.4 18.9 0.7 2.01 0.79 760.4 563.1 1.0 0.12 2.07 1893.6 1566.6 1.3 0.07 2.32 1953.6 1713.4 1.7 0.01 2.27 2111.1 1497.2 2.0 0.00 2.27 2167.1 1487.9 2.3 0.00 2.26 2155.1 1509.2 2.7 0.00 2.26 2183.1 1495.9 3.0 0.00 2.27 2189.8 1549.3 3.3 0.00 2.27 2195.1 1535.9 3.7 0.00 2.28 2196.5 1538.6 4.0 0.04 2.26 2184.5 1522.6 4.3 0.03 2.26 2184.5 1474.5 4.4 0.00 2.26 2177.8 1478.5

Example 31 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Sn/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Sn/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst. The experiment was designed to illustrate the impact of pressure, liquid and gas flow on conversion of NPMIDA to glyphosate.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system comprising a 500 ml Hastelloy C autoclave (Autoclave Engineers Inc.) similar to that described in Example 30. The reactor was equipped with an agitator having a 1.25″ diameter radial six-blade turbine impeller. The liquid level in the reactor was monitored using a level indicator similar to that used in Example 21. An internal cooling coil was utilized to control the temperature within the reactor during the course of the reaction.

During operation, the reactor was continuously fed a gaseous stream of oxygen and an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA. The oxygen was introduced into the reaction medium through a frit located near the impeller. A liquid product stream containing glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor through a frit, allowing any catalyst charged to the reactor to remain in the reaction medium. The product gas stream (containing CO₂ and unreacted oxygen) was continuously vented from the reactor headspace.

The aqueous slurry feed material comprised NPMIDA (about 3.0% by weight), formaldehyde (about 1000 ppm by weight) and formic acid (about 5100 ppm by weight). The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 14 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and tin (1.0% by weight) on a particulate carbon support.

The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactor was started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly thereafter. During the course of the experiment, the oxygen flow rate to the reactor was ramped up and ramped back down over the range of 75 to 300 sccm. The operating conditions are summarized below in Table 36. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical data from the continuous oxidation are shown in Table 37 below. TABLE 36 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 31 Catalyst Concentration in reactor: 1 wt % Agitator RPM: 1000 Liquid Flow: variable (see data) Pressure: variable (see data) Oxygen Flow Rate: variable (see data) Temperature: 100° C. Reaction Mass: 300 g Impeller Type: radial (1.25″)

TABLE 37 Oxidation Results for Example 31 Liquid O₂ Feed Flow % CO₂ Time Rates Pressure Rate GI Gly HCHO HCOOH NMG NFG AMPA MAMPA in Off- (min) (ml/min) (psig) (sccm) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) gas 0 50 100.2 149.6 0.69 1.40 1713 4901 26 167 20 11 66 21 50 100.1 149.6 0.88 1.35 1756 5247 31 139 12 12 74 42 50 99.9 149.6 0.92 1.34 1709 5342 19 136 9 8 76 63 50 99.9 149.6 0.90 1.34 1671 5293 23 133 9 12 78 84 50 100.1 149.6 0.91 1.40 1709 5411 23 135 9 13 79 105 50 100 149.6 0.81 1.41 1685 5311 21 128 12 12 82 126 50 99.9 149.6 0.84 1.42 1686 5416 24 128 11 12 84 147 50 100 149.6 0.85 1.42 1685 5365 21 126 9 12 84 168 50 100 149.6 0.88 1.41 1650 5357 20 120 9 12 85 189 50 100 149.6 0.87 1.42 1651 5344 19 117 9 9 85 210 50 100.1 149.6 0.94 1.36 1607 5312 20 115 8 9 83 231 35 100 149.6 0.38 1.56 1312 4661 21 136 15 12 87 252 35 100.6 149.6 0.45 1.84 1799 5456 24 173 18 11 83 273 35 100 149.6 0.33 1.93 1794 5456 33 213 29 19 80 294 35 99.9 149.6 0.32 1.88 1785 5335 13 199 27 — 85 315 35 100.1 149.6 0.31 1.90 1834 5388 30 205 27 13 85 336 35 100.2 149.6 0.30 1.90 1866 5398 32 184 26 19 84 357 35 100 149.6 0.36 1.92 1887 5421 35 182 26 19 84 378 35 100 149.6 0.33 1.92 1884 5322 31 175 27 17 83 399 35 100 149.6 0.36 1.92 1906 5366 33 176 26 18 83 420 35 99.8 149.6 0.35 1.95 1932 5386 33 177 27 19 83 441 35 100 149.6 0.34 1.93 1950 5331 33 174 29 18 83 462 35 100.1 149.6 0.33 1.90 1956 5248 33 170 31 18 83 483 20 100.2 149.6 0.04 2.18 1547 4205 9 233 188 −52 77 504 20 100.2 149.6 0.01 2.15 1656 4325 10 231 304 75 68 525 20 100 149.6 0.01 2.19 1756 4613 12 239 329 80 66 546 20 99.9 149.6 0.01 2.15 1799 4703 12 233 324 84 64 567 20 100 149.6 0.01 2.13 1822 4743 15 226 319 79 63 588 20 100 149.6 0.02 2.10 1839 4750 16 229 309 80 62 614 — 99.9 149.6 — — — — — — 61 635 — 100.1 149.6 — — — — — 61 656 — 99.9 149.6 — — — — — — 60 677 50 100 149.6 0.52 1.79 2379 5668 27 181 66 23 64 698 35 99.8 149.6 0.66 1.14 1563 4079 20 88 12 13 70 719 35 100 149.6 0.29 1.95 2271 5382 34 180 38 18 80 740 35 99.5 149.6 0.27 2.00 2334 5428 35 183 39 19 79 761 35 100.8 0 — — — — — — 54 782 35 100.1 0 2.76 0.10 980 4930 12 13 0 8 53 803 35 99.7 150 1.67 1.07 1344 4074 8 97 5 9 17 824 35 100.2 150 0.65 1.71 2002 5269 20 148 17 12 59 845 35 100.2 150 0.55 1.79 2218 5499 24 151 23 14 68 979 35 99.6 199.8 0.02 1.93 2271 4947 20 174 832 32 44 1047 35 100 199.8 0.38 1.90 2342 5881 29 152 25 20 43 1067 35 100 199.8 0.19 2.05 2532 5723 34 162 50 22 56 1086 35 99.9 199.8 0.17 2.02 2663 5615 35 164 57 25 57 1106 35 100 199.8 0.19 2.02 2703 5584 36 163 55 25 56 1126 35 100.2 199.8 0.19 2.05 2797 5672 37 165 54 26 55 1145 35 100.1 199.8 0.22 1.99 2783 5551 37 158 48 24 54 1165 35 100.1 199.8 0.23 1.99 2813 5567 36 161 45 26 54 1186 35 100.1 199.8 0.24 2.01 2835 5605 35 158 44 25 53 1205 35 100 199.8 0.25 2.01 2880 5592 36 162 45 25 53 1225 35 100.2 199.8 0.25 2.00 2839 5535 35 158 43 24 52 1244 35 100.1 199.8 0.25 1.96 2809 5478 35 156 43 23 53 1274 20 100.1 199.8 0.00 2.05 1740 4227 8 197 444 92 52 1296 20 100 199.8 0.00 2.07 1955 4675 16 208 439 86 48 1317 20 100 199.8 0.00 2.05 1872 4701 12 172 439 92 48 1337 20 99.8 199.8 0.00 2.05 1688 4991 15 213 402 87 47 1354 20 100.2 199.8 0.00 2.07 2005 4982 14 217 417 86 46 1374 20 100.3 199.8 0.00 2.10 2122 5160 19 219 418 72 46 1444 20 99.9 199.8 0.00 2.09 2183 5228 21 220 369 93 44 1464 20 99.5 199.8 0.00 2.10 2127 5183 17 224 407 89 44 1484 35 100 199.8 0.22 2.05 2966 5982 50 184 69 30 47 1504 35 100.1 199.8 0.28 1.95 2930 5759 37 163 38 28 49 1524 35 99.8 199.8 0.34 1.93 3041 5728 48 158 38 22 47 1544 35 100 199.8 0.36 1.99 3003 5685 30 150 38 22 47 1564 35 99.4 199.8 0.15 2.15 2965 5668 34 162 63 27 57 1584 35 100 199.8 0.26 2.00 3027 5687 45 167 46 27 52 1604 35 100.2 199.8 0.26 2.00 3020 5647 39 165 44 26 50 1624 35 129.7 199.8 0.15 2.07 3116 5613 42 168 68 30 51 1644 35 130 199.8 0.14 2.07 3146 5571 41 169 70 30 51 1664 35 130.1 199.8 0.16 2.06 3166 5599 41 168 63 30 50 1684 35 129.9 199.8 0.15 2.07 3199 5626 41 170 64 30 50 1704 35 129.8 199.8 0.16 2.07 3179 5640 41 168 58 30 49 1724 35 130 199.8 0.17 2.06 3189 5674 40 165 58 27 48 1744 35 129.8 199.8 0.19 2.02 3178 5669 41 164 54 28 48 1764 35 129.8 199.8 0.20 2.00 3179 5625 41 163 52 26 47 1784 35 130 199.8 0.30 1.99 2839 5551 31 161 55 22 52 1804 35 130.2 199.8 0.20 2.01 2657 5350 30 159 68 31 56 1824 35 130 199.8 0.10 2.14 2844 5516 31 177 100 38 56 1844 35 130 199.8 0.10 2.13 2822 5474 30 337 99 37 57 1864 35 130 150 0.20 2.05 2711 5517 35 313 64 29 62 1884 35 129.9 150 0.23 2.08 2754 5580 30 314 42 23 65 1904 35 130.4 150 0.36 1.90 2561 5336 32 274 36 20 66 1924 35 129.4 150 0.43 1.89 2691 5498 31 275 33 18 64 1944 35 130 150 0.22 2.09 2583 5419 40 314 77 31 73 1964 35 130 150 0.28 1.99 2789 5505 35 294 42 22 68 1984 35 130.2 150 0.27 1.98 2885 5510 35 292 43 23 65 2004 35 129.9 150 0.27 1.99 2926 5529 34 295 42 25 64 2024 35 130.1 150 0.24 2.02 2960 5525 37 301 44 27 63 2044 35 130.2 150 0.25 2.04 2989 5607 35 313 44 25 62 2064 35 129.7 150 0.30 1.98 2995 5549 34 299 40 21 62 2084 35 129.9 150 0.28 1.99 3033 5588 35 305 40 23 61 2104 20 130.4 200 0.18 2.10 2637 5240 25 307 229 62 54 2124 20 130 200 0.00 2.12 2078 4637 13 283 634 93 48 2144 20 129.7 200 0.00 2.20 2171 4975 14 332 686 114 46 2164 20 129.8 200 0.00 2.12 2299 5001 24 219 606 100 45 2184 20 129.7 200 0.00 2.13 2237 4955 20 230 692 110 46 2204 20 130.1 200 0.00 2.14 2260 5044 19 238 695 123 46 2224 20 130.4 200 0.00 2.12 2319 5014 23 230 662 111 45 2244 20 129.7 200 0.00 2.14 2386 5142 25 235 644 116 44 2264 20 129.9 200 0.00 2.12 2525 5172 34 231 516 124 42 2284 20 130 150 0.00 2.19 2428 5249 24 244 595 116 49 2304 20 130.3 150 0.01 2.10 2396 5058 31 225 460 89 53 2324 20 129.8 150 0.03 1.89 2401 4766 40 182 285 72 52 2344 20 129.7 150 0.01 2.15 2565 5195 37 231 377 84 51 2364 20 129.9 150 0.01 2.13 2490 5064 34 225 403 89 54 2384 20 129.9 150 0.01 2.10 2382 4983 30 224 444 88 55 2404 20 129.7 150 0.01 2.17 2409 5063 26 228 450 84 54 2424 20 129.7 150 0.01 2.18 2501 5178 30 234 418 83 54 2444 20 130.3 150 0.01 2.14 2668 5358 47 231 328 75 52

Example 32 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Fe/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Fe/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a stirred tank reactor. The experiment was designed to simulate conditions that might prevail in a first reaction zone of a continuous oxidation reactor system.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system similar to that used in Example 29 where the reactor comprised a 1000 ml Hastelloy C autoclave. The reactor was equipped with an agitator having a 1.25″ diameter radial six-blade turbine impeller. The liquid level in the reactor was monitored using a level indicator similar to that used in Example 21. An internal cooling coil was utilized to control the temperature within the reactor during the course of the reaction.

During operation, the reactor was continuously fed an aqueous slurry feed material comprising NPMIDA and a gaseous stream of oxygen. The oxygen was introduced into the reaction medium through a frit located near the impeller. A liquid product stream containing glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor through a frit, which allowed any catalyst charged to the reactor to remain in the reaction medium. The product gas stream (containing CO₂ and unreacted oxygen) was continuously vented from the reactor headspace.

The aqueous slurry feed material fed to the reactor comprised NPMIDA (9.9% by weight), glyphosate (1.3% by weight), formaldehyde (3600 ppm by weight) and formic acid (6200 ppm by weight). The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactor was started in batch mode with liquid flow through the system initiated shortly afterward. The operating conditions are summarized in Table 38 below. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC. Analytical data from the continuous oxidation are shown in Table 39 below. TABLE 38 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 32 Catalyst Concentration in reactor: 1 wt % Agitator RPM: 1000 Liquid Flow: 35 ml/min Pressure: 100 psig Oxygen Flow Rate: 630 sccm Temperature: 100° C. Reaction Mass: 725 g Impeller Type: radial (1.25″)

TABLE 39 Oxidation Results for Example 32 NPMIDA Glyphosate Time (min) (wt %) (wt %) 60 0.12 5.16 90 0.05 6.34 151 0.03 3.64 181 0.32 6.06 211 0.35 6.33 241 0.34 6.23 271 0.27 6.06 301 0.32 6.22 331 0.31 6.22 362 0.28 6.25 392 0.29 6.08 422 0.30 6.22 452 0.25 6.17 482 0.03 5.59 512 0.01 4.03 542 0.04 4.42 573 0.18 4.84 603 0.15 5.69 633 0.23 5.85 663 0.32 6.37

Example 33 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Fe/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Fe/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a stirred tank reactor. The experiment was designed to simulate conditions that might prevail in a second reaction zone of a continuous reactor system.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system similar to that used in Example 29 where the reactor comprised a 1000 ml Hastelloy C autoclave. The reactor was equipped with an agitator having a 1.25″ diameter radial six-blade turbine impeller. The liquid level in the reactor was monitored using a level indicator similar to that used in Example 21. An internal cooling coil was utilized to control the temperature within the reactor during the course of the reaction.

During operation, an aqueous slurry feed material comprising NPMIDA and a gaseous stream of oxygen were continuously introduced to the reactor system. The oxygen was introduced into the reaction medium through a frit located near the impeller. A liquid product stream comprising glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor through a frit, which allowed any catalyst charged to the reactor to remain in the reaction medium. The product gas stream (containing CO₂ and unreacted oxygen) was continuously vented from the reactor headspace.

The aqueous slurry feed material contained NPMIDA (1.9% by weight), glyphosate (6.7% by weight), formaldehyde (2400 ppm by weight), formic acid (4600 ppm by weight), NMG (280 ppm by weight), AMPA (400 ppm by weight) and MAMPA (200 ppm by weight). The catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. The continuous reactor system was started up in a manner similar to that described in Example 21 above in that the reactor was started in batch mode before initiating liquid flow through the system, which commenced shortly thereafter. The operating conditions are summarized in Table 40 below. The liquid product was analyzed with HPLC and analytical data from the continuous oxidation are shown in Table 41. TABLE 40 Summary of Operating Conditions for Example 33 Catalyst Concentration in reactor: 1 wt % Agitator RPM: 1000 Liquid Flow: 60.4 ml/min Pressure: Variable (see data) Oxygen Flow Rate: Variable (see data) Temperature: 100° C. Reaction Mass: 725 g Impeller Type: radial (1.25″)

TABLE 41 Oxidation Results for Example 33 Time Pres. O₂ Flow NPMIDA Glyphosate HCHO HCOOH min (psig) (sccm) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) 0 100 225 1.52 5.72 951 2822 60 100 225 0.48 7.55 1127 4404 121 100 225 0.47 7.62 1219 4419 181 100 225 0.46 7.57 1272 4442 241 100 225 0.45 7.63 1301 4434 302 100 225 0.45 7.74 1351 4590 362 100 315 0.19 7.68 1467 4230 422 100 315 0.10 7.65 1518 3739 482 100 315 0.10 7.77 1633 3756 543 100 315 0.10 7.77 1684 3714 603 100 315 0.11 7.75 1671 3741 663 99 315 0.10 7.78 1724 3721 724 100 292 0.13 7.75 1706 3840 784 100 292 0.13 7.84 1758 3905 844 100 292 0.13 7.76 1748 3908 904 100 292 0.11 7.81 1608 3884 965 100 292 0.11 7.75 1659 3901 1025 100 292 0.11 7.91 1703 3973 1085 100 292 0.11 8.05 1819 4108 1145 100 270 0.15 7.82 1681 4120 1206 100 270 0.14 7.74 1687 4438 1266 100 270 0.16 7.52 1850 4063 1326 100 270 0.13 7.42 1754 3962 1748 100 247 0.64 6.77 1566 4025 1809 100 247 0.65 7.70 1572 4266 1869 100 247 0.65 7.52 1545 4313 1929 100 247 0.67 7.54 1612 4473 1989 100 247 0.63 7.50 1620 4436 2050 100 247 0.59 7.59 1640 4500 2110 100 225 0.59 7.18 1562 4321 2170 100 225 0.68 7.50 1639 4517 2261 100 225 0.66 7.60 1659 4551 2351 100 225 0.59 7.41 1677 4519 2411 100 360 0.16 7.86 1907 4157 2472 100 360 0.16 7.86 2039 4040 2532 100 360 0.10 7.89 2028 3664 2592 100 360 0.09 7.98 2045 3635 2653 100 360 0.10 7.82 2150 3628 2713 70 360 0.11 8.47 2036 4008 2773 71 360 0.08 7.55 1338 2920

Example 34 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in the Presence of a Pt/Fe/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Fe/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a fixed bed reactor. The experiment was designed to mimic a small initial section of a fixed bed reactor with gas and liquid feeds entering co-currently.

The experiment was performed in a continuous reactor system comprising a vertical stainless steel tubular reactor (2.2 cm inside diameter; 61.5 cm length; 215 ml volume). The gas and liquid feeds entered the tubular reactor at the top and flowed down through the reactor. The reactor was filled with a mixture of catalyst (50 g) and glass Raschig rings (6 mm). The catalyst comprised 2% by weight platinum and 0.2% by weight iron on ⅛-inch carbon granule supports. The reactor was heated to about 90° C. with a heated water feed and brought to a pressure of about 100 psig with nitrogen. After the reactor reached a temperature of 90° C., water and nitrogen flow were stopped and the liquid feed and oxygen feed were initiated.

The liquid feed was fed to the top of the reactor at 90° C. and comprised an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA (3.00% by weight) and formic acid (0.54% by weight). Oxygen was fed to the top of the reactor with the reactor pressure maintained at 100 psig. The liquid and oxygen feed rates were varied in a series of four experiments as indicated in Table 42 below. In each experiment, the system was allowed to equilibrate for at least one half hour before samples were collected at the column exit and analyzed for formic acid and glyphosate. TABLE 42 Effluent Analysis Under Different Operating Conditions for Example 34 Liquid Flow Oxygen Flow % % Formic % (ml/min) (sccm) Glyphosate Acid Formaldehyde 100 100 0.11 0.47 ˜0.011 100 200 0.13 0.46 ˜0.014 50 100 0.24 0.38 ˜0.018 25 100 0.41 0.33 ˜0.026

Example 35 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in Two Stirred Tank Reactors in Series with Catalyst Recycle and Crystallizer Recycle

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry in a continuous reactor system comprising two stirred tank reactors staged in series. The reactor system was similar to that shown in FIG. 30. The two stirred tank reactors (R1 and R2) were as described in Example 24 except that the impeller configuration of R2 was not operated in a DISPERSIMAX mode. The catalyst was continuously filtered from the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from R2 using a back-pulse filter system comprising parallel filter bodies and the separated catalyst was recycled to R1. Crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product was recovered from the filtrate in a crystallizer (30 L) and the mother liquor from the crystallizer was recycled to R1.

The heterogeneous particulate catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. In this example, the particulate heterogeneous catalyst was transferred from R1 to R2 with the effluent from R1 including some entrained gas. The catalyst exited R2 with the reactor effluent, was separated in the back-pulse filter, and recycled back to R1. The back-pulse catalyst filter also acted as a liquid gas separator for the effluent from R2. The filtrate from the back-pulse catalyst filter was sent to a crystallizer for recovery of crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The resulting mother liquor from the crystallizer was used to back-pulse the catalyst filter bodies and recycled to R1 with the separated catalyst. The operating conditions for R1 and R2 are summarized in Table 43. R1 and R2 were charged initially as shown in Table 43 and oxygen was introduced concurrent with the NPMIDA feed. The NPMIDA feed comprised an aqueous slurry feed material containing from about 12.5% to about 15% NPMIDA and mother liquor recycle from the catalyst filters to give an effective combined feed to R1. The effective combined feed to R1 was introduced initially at 4.3 wt % and later increased to 5.2 wt %. Bismuth oxide was added throughout the run to increase the formic acid destruction rate. Bismuth oxide was added in a batchwise fashion to R1 (˜5 mg per addition) and also in a continuous fashion by addition to the NPMIDA slurry feed (4-25 mg per 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry). The frequency and amount of bismuth oxide added to the slurry feed is listed in Table 44. The aqueous slurry feed to R1 (including the component from the crystallizer mother liquor recycled with the catalyst), R1 reactor effluent and R2 reactor effluent were analyzed by HPLC. The HPLC analytical results are presented in Table 45. TABLE 43 Operating Conditions for the Continuous Oxidation Reactor System of Example 35 Initial Reactor Charge R1 R2 Catalyst 0.8 wt % 0.8 wt % NPMIDA 0.8 wt % 0.3 wt % Glyphosate 5.0 wt % 5.0 wt % formaldehyde 500 ppm 500 ppm formic acid 2000 ppm 2000 ppm water 2700 ml 1500 ml Operating Conditions Catalyst Concentration¹ 0.8-1.4 wt % 0.8-1.4 wt % Agitator RPM 1000 600 Total Liquid Flow into R1 147.4 g/min 147.4 g/min Pressure 100 psig 100 psig Oxygen 900-1700 sccm 120-700 sccm Temperature 95°-100° C. 95°-100° C. Reaction Mass 2950 g 1725 g Impeller Type radial (2″)² radial (2″)² NPMIDA Slurry Flow Rate 50 g/min NA RML Flow Rate³ 97.4 ml/min NA ¹Initial catalyst charge was 0.8 wt %. During the run the catalyst loading was increased to 1.0 wt % at 69 hours, 1.2 wt % at 119 hours and 1.4 wt % at 143 hours. ²A downward pumping impeller was installed on the agitator shaft about half way up the liquid column. ³Crystallizer mother liquor (RML) was used to back pulse the catalyst filters and return filtered catalyst back to R1 with RML.

TABLE 44 Frequency and Amount of Bismuth Oxide Addition to Reactor System Elapsed Time (hrs) Bismuth Oxide Addition 19.4 12.5 mg to R1 with 50 ml H₂O 19.6  4.2 mg to 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry feed 46.2 12.7 mg in R1 with 50 ml H₂O 102.3 12.8 mg to R1 with 50 ml H₂O  4.7 mg to 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry feed 139.3 12.4 mg to R1 with 50 ml H₂O  4.1 mg to 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry feed 159.3 13.3 mg to R1 with 50 ml H₂O  4.0 mg to 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry feed 165.7 16.4 mg to R1 with 50 ml H₂O 16.9 mg to 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry feed 172.0   25 mg to 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry feed 215.9 12.3 mg to 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry feed 370.7 16.7 mg to 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry feed

TABLE 45 Analytical Results for Example 35 Elapsed Effective Combined R1 Feed R1 Exit R2 Exit time NPMIDA Gly HCHO HCOOH NPMIDA Gly HCHO HCOOH NPMIDA Gly HCHO HCOOH (hrs) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) 9.0 4.4 1.07 417 1775 0.62 3.86 841 3058 0.54 3.96 449 3147 12.1 4.31 1.08 408 1857 0.36 3.88 927 3446 0.24 3.98 417 3448 16.9 4.30 1.12 497 2179 0.32 4.10 984 3507 0.18 4.13 418 3416 18.0 4.30 1.03 492 2179 0.34 4.04 951 3664 0.19 3.80 401 3414 20.5 4.33 1.03 480 1853 0.57 4.35 1010 2941 0.29 3.81 354 2213 22.0 4.34 1.13 494 2082 0.52 4.20 943 2790 0.32 4.18 406 3058 27.0 4.31 2.27 269 1368 0.45 4.62 1035 3147 0.23 4.53 445 2911 30.0 4.32 2.54 310 1491 0.48 5.31 1196 3331 0.26 5.54 596 3364 30.7 4.31 2.57 311 1646 0.44 5.34 1178 3369 0.21 5.61 567 3347 34.5 4.27 2.43 406 1882 0.12 5.51 1282 3156 0.09 5.41 824 3364 36.0 4.29 2.42 432 1887 0.18 5.37 1332 3299 0.14 5.40 920 3381 39.0 4.30 2.44 459 1969 0.19 5.67 1049 3704 0.19 5.45 1017 3684 46.0 4.36 2.55 483 2176 0.52 5.65 1660 4224 0.41 5.88 1106 4447 47.3 4.42 2.46 429 1677 0.74 5.88 1567 3528 0.62 5.55 909 2608 48.3 4.39 2.44 405 1864 0.64 5.44 1382 2809 0.54 5.47 819 3297 50.7 4.44 2.76 552 2225 0.45 5.50 1505 3417 0.26 5.61 805 3245 56.5 4.35 2.59 518 1827 0.09 5.35 1566 2807 0.00 5.64 724 2113 59.0 4.37 2.51 591 2165 0.15 5.21 1700 3368 0.06 5.32 993 3359 62.1 4.32 2.51 649 2284 0.22 5.18 1760 3495 0.10 5.36 1087 3520 65.0 4.29 2.54 704 2213 0.17 5.22 1890 3634 0.06 5.42 1178 3718 69.5 5.18 2.53 577 1805 0.21 5.42 1402 2211 0.19 5.38 710 2215 71.5 5.20 2.65 600 1898 0.35 5.74 1574 2468 0.22 5.88 881 2735 75.0 5.27 2.74 612 2134 0.56 5.08 1577 3240 0.40 6.06 958 3704 77.5 5.25 2.74 612 1828 0.44 5.84 1666 3256 0.27 6.06 952 2503 80.8 5.25 2.63 616 1802 0.46 5.75 1717 3406 0.26 5.90 961 2436 84.0 5.27 2.85 663 2114 0.50 5.84 1680 3328 0.31 6.47 1089 3437 87.0 5.27 2.63 656 2004 0.46 5.92 1735 3288 0.29 5.56 979 2897 91.0 5.26 2.47 687 1933 0.45 6.03 1924 3173 0.23 5.37 1012 2906 93.0 5.26 2.74 752 2122 0.45 6.10 1967 3706 0.23 6.37 1251 3605 97.7 5.24 2.69 898 2684 0.45 5.94 2248 4651 0.19 6.20 1569 4428 105.0 5.23 2.61 968 2210 0.42 5.79 2195 3791 0.21 6.11 1478 3276 107.0 5.24 2.64 1001 2388 0.48 5.77 2265 3935 0.24 5.95 1558 3403 109.0 5.24 2.63 1031 2242 0.52 5.80 2255 3697 0.26 6.16 1629 3480 111.0 5.24 2.59 1031 2242 0.52 5.80 2255 3697 0.26 6.03 1629 3480 116.0 5.19 2.68 1213 2620 0.46 6.02 2634 4379 0.14 6.15 1976 4163 129.5 5.27 2.66 1328 3239 0.70 5.91 2952 6163 0.42 6.05 2400 6449 134.0 5.27 2.58 1332 2880 0.76 5.72 3014 5731 0.43 5.78 2415 5125 135.5 5.41 2.65 1310 2872 1.14 5.62 2848 4719 0.96 6.02 2336 5095 140.3 5.23 2.84 1268 3477 0.52 6.34 3494 5613 0.15 6.53 2604 5308 142.0 5.21 2.78 1248 3364 0.39 6.07 3429 5113 0.09 6.30 2529 4891 144.6 5.20 2.84 849 3154 0.25 6.29 1751 4150 0.03 6.52 1058 4117 152.5 5.23 2.62 1026 3065 0.34 5.67 2330 3998 0.16 5.70 1711 3788 153.5 5.19 2.63 1046 2580 0.37 5.67 2317 4048 0.14 5.75 1724 3726 156.5 5.19 2.72 1135 2962 0.46 5.84 2729 5120 0.16 6.07 2011 5137 158.3 5.19 2.61 1168 2920 0.48 5.85 2747 5363 0.14 5.66 2132 4980 160.5 5.24 2.71 1150 2696 0.63 5.86 2750 5035 0.32 6.06 2066 4156 161.5 5.19 2.78 1135 2729 0.51 6.09 2670 4389 0.15 6.32 2010 4277 163.5 5.18 2.89 1192 3068 0.54 6.13 2844 5696 0.10 6.73 2219 5528 167.1 5.22 2.73 1261 3250 0.67 5.50 2659 5220 0.28 6.14 2476 6197 170.0 5.14 2.77 1431 3625 0.45 5.93 3133 5555 0.03 6.45 2474 5485 173.0 5.12 2.64 1484 3346 0.28 5.27 3099 4459 0.01 5.73 2564 4327 176.3 5.15 2.68 1528 3489 0.56 5.50 3175 5094 0.12 5.95 2649 5136 179.8 5.15 2.74 1280 3225 0.55 5.78 3222 4716 0.11 6.16 2587 4164 183.5 5.17 2.73 1306 3247 0.74 5.93 3308 4556 0.19 6.13 2684 4245 188.0 5.15 2.64 1244 3043 0.54 5.61 3143 3924 0.14 5.78 2455 3491 189.5 5.14 2.60 1624 2184 0.37 5.97 3165 3278 0.09 6.12 2481 3057 190.5 5.14 2.62 1601 1858 0.38 5.99 3109 3059 0.09 6.03 2417 2358 196.0 5.14 2.60 1624 2184 0.37 5.97 3165 3278 0.09 6.12 2481 3057 199.0 5.14 2.62 1601 1858 0.38 5.99 3109 3059 0.09 6.03 2417 2358 201.5 5.14 2.70 1559 1600 0.28 5.74 2889 2528 0.08 6.24 2305 2110 203.5 5.13 2.65 1525 1522 0.29 6.01 3001 2260 0.07 6.11 2241 1898 205.5 5.14 2.63 1517 1439 0.30 5.95 2871 2104 0.10 6.05 2210 1590 207.5 5.13 2.90 1448 1130 0.23 5.95 2819 1786 0.06 6.15 2065 1319 209.5 5.14 2.77 1492 1010 0.28 6.10 2929 1839 0.10 6.34 2224 1275 211.5 5.14 2.69 1453 932 0.27 5.64 2774 1736 0.10 6.05 2082 986 219.5 5.14 2.64 1287 585 0.28 5.81 2554 1234 0.07 6.02 1858 819 221.5 5.14 2.91 1273 538 0.37 5.86 2605 1227 0.10 6.03 1860 748 223.5 5.15 2.64 1272 530 0.35 5.95 2558 1146 0.09 5.97 1846 751 225.5 5.16 2.71 1262 489 0.42 5.98 2573 1144 0.12 6.12 1869 688 227.5 5.15 2.79 1254 473 0.39 5.78 2500 1122 0.10 6.40 1841 629 229.5 5.12 2.58 1222 165 0.36 5.95 2505 1028 0.08 5.70 1806 608 231.5 5.15 2.82 1222 429 0.39 6.09 2550 948 0.11 6.36 1844 595 233.5 5.16 2.81 1214 425 0.40 6.05 2514 902 0.12 6.32 1816 581 242.5 5.16 2.64 1131 326 0.51 5.91 2372 867 0.09 5.85 1597 495 244.0 5.16 2.50 1105 313 0.56 5.98 2416 791 0.11 5.36 1499 450 245.5 5.20 2.82 1186 314 0.71 6.07 2441 791 0.25 6.43 1796 469 248.0 5.14 2.81 1150 303 0.48 5.95 2458 746 0.03 6.41 1660 432 249.3 5.16 2.81 1165 304 0.45 5.74 2310 699 0.10 6.41 1717 432 250.3 5.17 2.79 1162 303 0.52 6.10 2409 787 0.13 6.34 1707 429 251.5 5.18 2.75 1150 287 0.58 5.72 2250 701 0.16 6.17 1663 370 256.0 5.16 2.88 1101 254 0.60 5.66 2166 625 0.03 6.43 1619 391 258.0 5.17 2.87 1108 310 0.81 5.91 2239 651 0.11 6.50 1693 429 260.0 5.16 2.83 1093 300 0.73 5.78 2234 612 0.06 6.35 1638 394 262.0 5.15 2.79 1091 249 0.71 5.77 2270 640 0.07 6.41 1674 395 267.0 5.30 2.70 1062 213 1.33 5.29 2049 531 0.55 6.00 1645 315 270.0 5.25 2.84 1080 222 1.12 5.88 2226 587 0.35 6.51 1710 349 271.0 5.20 2.87 1069 224 0.95 5.91 2243 685 0.19 6.60 1669 358 273.2 5.21 2.87 1071 247 0.90 5.93 2207 586 0.20 6.61 1675 440 273.8 5.21 2.83 1076 231 0.90 5.82 2235 640 0.23 6.48 1696 383 275.5 5.21 2.90 1107 237 0.93 5.68 2167 596 0.20 6.72 1809 406 277.0 5.18 2.87 1100 270 0.91 6.28 2240 590 0.12 6.61 1785 527 278.2 5.19 2.89 1163 240 0.94 5.95 2339 632 0.11 6.76 1852 422 281.5 5.20 2.79 1186 281 0.92 6.08 2505 729 0.12 6.39 1936 571 284.5 5.19 2.71 1162 244 0.87 6.04 2630 708 0.07 6.09 1847 437 287.5 5.19 2.69 1179 269 0.84 6.02 2693 745 0.07 6.03 1908 529 292.5 5.13 2.64 1177 241 0.20 5.87 2679 653 0.07 5.96 1718 378 301.0 5.27 2.65 979 166 0.92 5.30 1839 406 0.45 5.86 1259 200 335.5 5.50 1.14 191 82 1.85 3.64 1200 505 1.48 4.21 703 302 339.8 5.10 1.34 226 74 0.15 4.84 1654 518 0.01 4.92 833 273 344.0 5.11 1.41 235 38 0.48 5.25 1824 480 0.04 5.20 868 142 347.5 5.12 1.44 285 68 0.33 4.96 1867 528 0.09 5.30 1050 252 351.5 5.12 1.42 297 69 0.28 5.18 2003 474 0.07 5.24 1096 255 353.8 5.11 1.44 314 75 0.30 5.11 2115 753 0.05 5.29 1157 276 357.5 5.16 2.94 807 216 0.44 6.34 2417 757 0.16 6.74 1558 364 359.5 5.13 2.83 789 192 0.29 6.27 2553 943 0.04 6.34 1490 278 368.0 5.15 2.70 881 201 0.34 5.96 2792 694 0.13 5.85 1831 309 370.5 5.14 2.91 894 227 0.34 6.65 2897 950 0.09 6.64 1877 406 373.5 5.17 2.95 986 224 0.51 6.49 3084 542 0.19 6.77 2216 394 375.0 5.17 2.78 1425 270 0.43 6.46 3131 976 0.12 6.44 2291 563 378.3 5.14 2.76 1437 238 0.32 6.05 3273 940 0.03 6.34 2334 444 380.5 5.14 2.79 1425 226 0.21 6.13 3229 1021 0.00 6.48 2290 402 383.5 5.34 2.87 1853 272 0.95 6.57 3829 1031 0.59 6.55 3052 397 387.5 5.20 2.86 1868 275 0.25 6.09 3652 842 0.07 6.55 2787 476 389.5 5.22 2.82 1953 308 0.53 5.89 3833 1370 0.22 6.43 3115 476 391.0 5.28 2.91 2002 334 0.72 6.05 4118 1358 0.42 6.74 3295 574 392.0 5.26 2.91 2061 286 0.59 6.41 4047 1336 0.32 6.73 3273 485 395.0 5.19 2.83 2101 324 0.31 6.19 4022 1036 0.10 6.62 3221 582 398.0 5.16 2.76 2153 344 0.34 6.17 4219 1519 0.09 6.47 3353 649 399.5 5.16 2.78 2184 396 0.33 6.13 4262 1286 0.07 6.53 3466 840 401.5 5.15 2.78 2265 494 0.38 6.19 4323 1570 0.09 6.37 3609 1005 405.0 5.21 2.88 2383 563 0.65 6.21 4337 1470 0.27 6.63 3731 937 407.0 5.20 2.87 2409 635 0.61 6.30 4492 1922 0.25 6.58 3830 1202 409.6 5.20 2.70 2493 708 0.53 6.40 4498 1926 0.17 5.84 3854 1360 412.0 5.14 2.66 2438 723 0.27 5.66 4230 1874 0.02 6.04 3601 1387 413.5 5.15 2.67 2497 747 0.36 5.71 4355 2236 0.07 6.09 3819 1477 416.5 5.13 2.68 2553 985 0.39 5.78 4371 2351 0.06 6.17 3911 1804

Example 36 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in Two Stirred Tank Reactors in Series with Catalyst Recycle and Crystallizer Recycle

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine in a continuous reactor system comprising two stirred-tank reactors staged in series utilizing a heterogeneous particulate catalyst slurry. The reactor system was similar to that shown in FIG. 31. The two stirred tank reactors (R1 and R2) were as described in Example 35 above. The catalyst was continuously filtered from the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from R2 using a back-pulse filter system comprising parallel filter bodies and the separated catalyst was recycled to R1. Crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product was recovered from the filtrate in a crystallizer (30 L) and the mother liquor from the crystallizer was recycled to R1. Additionally, a portion of the crystallizer mother liquor was added to the effluent from R2 as an effluent dilution stream (75-100 ml/min) to reduce the glyphosate concentration in the R2 effluent introduced to the back-pulse filter to reduce potential crystallization problems. Also, the reaction system further comprised a catalyst rest tank (500 ml Hastelloy C autoclave with an upward pumping impeller), which collected the separated catalyst prior to its re-introduction to R1. The catalyst rest tank was operated without level control and catalyst slurry was allowed to exit at the top of the vessel.

The heterogeneous particulate catalyst was prepared by a method similar to that described in Example 17 above and comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) on a particulate carbon support. In this example, the particulate heterogeneous catalyst was transferred from R1 to R2 with the effluent from R1 including some entrained gas. The catalyst exited R2 with the reactor effluent, was separated in the back-pulse filter, sent to the catalyst rest tank and recycled back to R1. The back-pulse catalyst filter also acted as a liquid gas separator for the effluent from R2. The filtrate from the back-pulse catalyst filter was sent to a crystallizer for recovery of crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product. The resulting mother liquor from the crystallizer was used to back-pulse the catalyst filter bodies, as a diluent for the effluent from R2 passing to the catalyst filter bodies, and recycled to R1 with the separated catalyst.

The operating conditions for R1 and R2 are summarized in Table 46. R1 and R2 were charged initially as shown in Table 46 and oxygen was introduced concurrent with the NPMIDA feed. The NPMIDA feed comprised an aqueous slurry feed material containing from about 20% to about 20.5% NPMIDA and mother liquor recycle from the catalyst filters to give an effective combined feed to R1. The effective combined feed to R1 was introduced initially at 7 wt % and later increased to 7.7 wt %. Bismuth oxide was added throughout the run to increase the formic acid destruction rate. Bismuth oxide was added in a continuous fashion by addition to the NPMIDA slurry feed (3-12 mg per 20 kg of NPMIDA slurry). The frequency and amount of bismuth oxide added to the slurry feed is listed in Table 47. The aqueous slurry feed to R1 (including the component from the crystallizer mother liquor recycled with the catalyst), R1 reactor effluent and R2 reactor effluent were analyzed by HPLC. The HPLC analytical results are presented in Table 48. TABLE 46 Operating Conditions for Example 36. Initial Reactor Charge R1 R2 Catalyst 1.6 wt % 1.6 wt % water 2400 ml 2400 ml Operating Conditions Catalyst Concentration¹ 1.6-2.2 wt % 1.6-2.2 wt % Agitator RPM 1000 1000 Total Liquid Flow into R1 147.4 g/min 147.4 g/min Pressure 100 psig 100 psig Oxygen 1200-2750 sccm 350-1200 sccm Temperature 105°-110° C. 105°-110° C. Reaction Mass 2950 g 2950 g Impeller Type radial (2″)² radial (2″)² NPMIDA Slurry Flow Rate 50 g/min NA RML Flow Rate³ 97.4 ml/min NA ¹Initial catalyst charge was 1.6 wt %. During the run the catalyst loading was increased to 1.7 wt % at 344 hours, 1.8 wt % at 354 hours, 1.9 wt % at 356 hours, 2.0 wt % at 359 hours, 2.1 wt % at 363 hours and 2.2 wt % at 366 hours. ²A downward pumping impeller was installed on the agitator shaft about half way up the liquid column. ³Crystallizer mother liquor (RML) was used to back pulse the catalyst filters and return filtered catalyst back to R1 with RML.

TABLE 47 Frequency and Amount of Bismuth Oxide Addition to NPMIDA Slurry Feed. Elapsed Time Bismuth Oxide Addition (hrs) (to 20 kg of NPMIDA Slurry Feed) 9.8 3 mg 20.5 6 mg 34.3 9 mg 44.0 18 mg  89.4 12 mg  98.0 3 mg 204.9 6 mg 225.1 3 mg 274.3 12 mg 

TABLE 48 Analytical Results for Example 36. Elapsed Effective Combined R1 Feed R1 Exit R2 Exit time NPMIDA Gly HCHO HCOOH NPMIDA Gly HCHO HCOOH NPMIDA Gly HCHO HCOOH (hrs) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) 2.2 8.03 1.84 185 1338 3.50 4.47 682 3378 3.03 4.54 456 3303 5.5 6.85 1.71 53 515 1.00 6.14 712 3816 0.20 6.88 215 2073 8.5 6.86 2.55 71 742 1.10 6.33 743 3742 0.22 6.84 230 2564 11.5 6.85 2.85 97 1044 1.01 7.05 842 4090 0.17 7.56 247 2609 14.5 6.84 2.28 95 1079 0.64 6.89 817 3927 0.12 7.48 216 2398 17.5 7.01 2.67 146 1441 1.44 6.38 849 4142 0.74 7.06 399 3494 20.5 7.12 2.72 188 1746 1.60 6.22 837 4323 0.70 6.86 388 3458 23.5 7.13 2.87 213 2115 1.30 6.82 892 4732 0.49 7.43 385 3674 26.5 7.01 3.00 201 1854 1.06 7.39 904 4871 0.13 7.67 298 2414 28.0 6.99 2.93 193 1827 1.04 6.79 951 4147 0.06 7.38 267 2303 30.0 7.00 2.96 204 1941 1.01 6.88 973 4621 0.10 7.50 311 2779 31.0 6.92 2.80 215 1888 1.31 6.81 1022 6357 0.18 7.57 385 3050 33.0 6.89 2.76 217 1721 1.09 6.45 975 4210 0.13 7.36 345 2629 35.0 6.87 2.75 226 1888 0.99 6.78 1198 4748 0.06 7.50 392 2761 36.5 6.87 2.66 270 1885 0.94 6.67 1422 4872 0.05 7.10 576 2747 37.5 6.87 2.78 299 2138 0.88 6.92 1617 5403 0.05 7.62 694 3804 40.0 7.73 2.72 423 2844 1.35 6.84 1867 6272 0.21 6.99 727 5318 43.0 7.75 2.87 419 3330 1.45 6.78 1871 6615 0.20 7.57 696 5672 44.8 7.75 2.86 726 3316 1.28 6.69 2207 6247 0.19 7.50 1262 5180 46.3 7.77 2.79 761 3106 1.72 6.99 2216 6140 0.29 7.20 1405 4303 48.0 7.79 2.89 768 3357 1.44 7.00 2309 6196 0.35 7.64 1437 5353 51.0 7.84 3.69 1033 4607 1.22 7.16 2348 5807 0.16 7.92 1379 4709 53.0 7.83 3.64 1002 4423 1.29 6.66 2323 5481 0.09 7.70 1249 3940 54.8 7.94 3.46 1066 4513 1.94 8.07 2234 5273 0.57 7.24 1497 3870 56.0 7.90 3.00 933 3216 2.04 6.92 2304 5384 0.57 7.84 1557 4666 57.0 7.85 2.89 915 2927 1.60 7.19 2307 5030 0.36 7.34 1473 3327 58.5 7.86 3.14 941 3065 1.81 7.14 2357 5248 0.34 8.04 1470 4184 60.5 7.85 3.40 940 3010 1.35 7.30 2399 4871 0.30 9.24 1468 3927 62.5 7.81 3.05 923 2729 1.34 7.34 2448 4730 0.16 8.00 1349 3329 64.0 7.82 3.02 934 2564 1.69 8.50 2420 4719 0.20 7.87 1401 2564 65.5 7.87 3.22 986 2829 1.63 7.69 2364 4381 0.42 8.80 1642 3791 67.0 7.78 2.75 866 2291 0.51 6.94 2377 3248 0.02 6.64 1085 1293 68.0 7.79 2.96 910 2616 0.99 7.33 2498 3884 0.09 7.58 1289 2801 69.0 7.81 3.00 920 2476 1.16 6.93 2543 3938 0.15 7.78 1334 2151 71.0 7.74 3.10 890 1969 1.18 7.18 2528 3862 0.12 8.12 1415 2796 73.3 7.75 3.14 906 1988 1.46 7.73 2547 4093 0.18 8.31 1493 2881 75.5 7.75 3.14 953 1960 1.53 7.15 2398 3595 0.17 8.29 1534 2773 77.8 7.73 3.12 933 1994 1.21 7.28 2424 3353 0.08 8.23 1441 2932 79.5 7.71 3.17 940 1725 1.29 7.16 2448 3237 0.07 7.96 1436 2264 81.0 7.72 3.01 937 1558 1.41 7.95 2438 2738 0.10 7.23 1421 1490 82.5 7.73 3.17 997 1709 1.46 7.07 2445 3090 0.13 8.12 1590 2294 84.0 7.73 3.07 1003 1546 1.49 7.89 2459 2579 0.15 7.67 1616 1536 86.8 7.73 3.11 1010 1509 1.57 8.16 2497 2442 0.11 7.84 1648 1364 88.5 7.72 3.27 1092 1500 1.46 7.44 2608 2896 0.09 8.57 1739 2048 90.0 7.75 3.48 1109 1518 2.04 7.73 2696 2969 0.21 9.50 1818 2129 91.5 7.75 3.08 1159 1529 1.91 7.44 2671 2935 0.20 7.86 1907 2219 93.0 7.74 3.23 1152 1340 1.74 8.07 2971 2964 0.14 8.54 1874 1342 94.5 7.73 3.71 1192 1425 1.56 7.77 3039 2883 0.10 9.01 1893 1899 98.5 7.66 1.67 264 233 1.28 6.26 2256 1985 0.05 7.73 1227 1082 100.0 7.65 1.54 160 166 1.02 6.42 1807 1496 0.02 7.16 742 769 101.5 7.65 1.54 146 153 0.97 6.58 1718 1927 0.01 7.13 678 709 104.5 7.65 1.45 122 151 0.71 6.01 1591 1739 0.02 6.73 566 699 107.5 7.68 1.42 118 175 1.10 5.71 1439 1698 0.14 6.59 549 811 111.5 7.75 1.54 130 196 1.39 6.20 1429 1854 0.46 7.15 603 909 113.0 7.75 2.70 190 164 1.23 5.67 1337 1717 0.08 6.71 520 479 114.2 7.84 3.10 237 310 1.98 7.39 1605 2358 0.48 8.55 740 1156 115.5 7.75 3.23 305 349 1.15 7.32 1662 2044 0.07 8.32 694 833 118.5 7.77 3.25 288 243 1.50 7.49 1701 1973 0.21 8.99 750 647 121.5 7.79 3.48 555 756 1.56 7.82 2111 2604 0.28 8.81 1093 1395 124.5 7.73 3.09 507 677 1.46 8.01 2239 2757 0.16 9.04 1122 1404 127.5 7.82 3.61 719 1064 1.57 7.64 2283 2755 0.49 8.99 1249 1530 133.5 7.71 3.22 835 1021 1.53 7.75 2507 2738 0.11 8.55 1400 1583 136.5 7.70 3.40 906 1090 1.29 7.78 2634 2961 0.09 8.72 1494 1626 139.5 7.77 3.55 1124 1181 1.48 6.26 2718 1929 0.36 8.74 2267 2129 142.5 7.88 3.50 1045 1064 1.68 7.72 2733 2985 0.54 8.75 1690 1569 145.5 7.77 3.60 1055 1194 1.53 8.07 2836 2997 0.07 9.05 1655 1557 149.0 7.72 3.52 1100 1359 1.32 7.62 2949 2913 0.06 8.81 1773 1666 152.0 7.71 3.34 1138 1302 1.25 7.62 3032 2408 0.11 8.79 1811 1602 155.0 7.72 3.62 1165 1354 1.79 8.32 2989 3128 0.19 9.16 1864 1584 158.5 7.71 3.98 1195 1164 1.35 8.02 3162 2902 0.10 8.92 1933 1641 161.5 7.70 3.47 1276 1193 1.34 7.75 3174 3005 0.12 8.89 2071 1691 164.5 7.73 3.13 1324 1059 1.40 7.82 3264 2969 0.13 7.42 2135 1263 167.5 7.71 3.38 1311 918 1.47 7.99 3378 3102 0.12 8.61 2089 1528 172.0 7.74 2.93 1427 1173 1.44 7.50 3428 2731 0.14 8.31 2223 1511 175.0 7.72 3.07 1480 1050 1.48 7.51 3555 2653 0.10 8.57 2314 1479 178.0 7.69 2.91 1474 1159 1.39 6.89 3347 2254 0.09 8.48 2319 1506 181.0 7.69 2.91 1505 1044 1.42 7.79 3573 2669 0.10 8.43 2322 1452 184.0 7.70 3.01 1525 1058 1.39 7.41 3572 2670 0.11 8.81 2268 1499 186.5 7.78 2.81 1802 2335 2.69 6.32 3714 6849 0.51 7.87 3550 7428 188.3 8.02 2.47 1418 3234 4.05 6.45 3407 8082 1.24 7.99 3294 8694 203.5 7.76 2.59 1303 2043 1.76 6.65 3365 4733 0.15 7.53 2552 3664 205.8 7.79 2.74 1397 2401 2.04 7.25 3564 5706 0.29 8.20 2988 5327 209.5 7.66 1.53 544 523 0.91 6.13 3720 4459 0.04 7.09 2525 2427 212.0 7.72 2.60 1454 1788 1.51 6.92 3834 4230 0.11 7.55 2802 2741 213.5 7.74 2.61 1439 1954 2.24 7.04 3462 4683 0.19 7.59 2732 3513 215.0 7.75 2.72 1819 2043 1.85 7.01 4071 4994 0.22 7.03 3126 3839 216.5 7.76 2.86 1769 2046 1.93 7.02 3577 4998 0.25 7.70 2892 3852 218.0 7.74 2.75 1959 2623 1.50 6.88 4035 5101 0.13 8.13 3122 3909 221.0 7.73 2.77 2080 2861 1.68 6.91 4039 5394 0.15 7.94 3284 4107 225.0 7.72 2.96 1808 2461 1.59 6.99 3427 5187 0.14 7.43 2706 3819 228.5 7.65 1.44 535 407 0.76 6.99 3674 2202 0.03 6.71 2484 1888 232.0 7.68 2.54 1208 524 1.12 7.01 2708 2686 0.13 7.24 1619 1724 236.5 7.70 2.98 2767 1236 1.20 7.53 2934 3346 0.11 8.46 1820 2154 238.5 7.71 2.95 2962 1256 1.51 7.51 3748 3631 0.17 8.31 2728 2246 242.0 7.73 2.93 1404 1146 1.48 7.14 3231 3767 0.17 7.55 2192 2064 245.5 7.74 3.00 1778 1657 1.44 7.19 3758 3684 0.13 8.22 2782 2247 248.0 7.72 3.00 1831 1739 1.47 7.24 3781 3763 0.14 8.39 2867 2397 250.0 7.72 2.96 1834 1733 1.57 8.02 3875 3928 0.15 8.20 2882 2372 252.3 7.69 3.08 1995 1421 1.47 7.53 4141 4229 0.13 8.50 3190 2405 255.0 7.70 3.17 2045 1699 1.60 7.64 4102 3635 0.15 8.74 3076 2601 258.0 7.72 2.92 1919 1898 1.57 7.39 3914 4148 0.14 8.08 2778 2428 261.0 7.72 2.98 1909 2016 1.54 7.24 3935 4109 0.13 8.09 2747 2603 262.5 7.73 2.97 1853 2044 1.76 7.30 3296 4404 0.15 8.06 2490 2731 264.0 7.73 2.92 1905 2125 1.83 7.41 3858 4367 0.16 8.22 2720 2828 270.0 7.73 2.93 1978 2269 1.86 7.15 3840 4415 0.15 8.30 3062 3498 273.0 7.71 3.01 1646 1713 1.81 6.97 3081 4619 0.13 7.97 2492 3091 276.0 7.72 2.95 1637 1751 1.87 6.95 3062 4531 0.16 7.99 2471 3038 279.0 7.72 2.94 1646 2020 1.95 6.90 3049 4576 0.14 7.99 2514 2600 282.0 7.74 2.99 1973 1741 1.67 7.02 3093 3462 0.16 8.05 2450 2548 285.0 7.69 2.96 1807 1438 1.53 7.23 3444 3660 0.08 8.11 2547 2352 288.0 7.70 2.98 1781 1464 1.46 7.13 3498 3683 0.10 7.97 2654 2359 291.0 7.69 2.92 1809 1371 1.55 7.10 3520 3793 0.11 8.03 2756 2450 294.0 7.69 2.89 1823 1357 1.52 7.13 3666 3750 0.10 7.96 2790 2399 297.0 7.70 2.88 1836 1377 1.82 6.98 3632 3747 0.14 7.92 2849 2492 300.0 7.69 2.89 1828 1358 1.71 6.85 3525 3640 0.11 7.95 2815 2406 303.0 7.71 2.86 1889 1468 1.93 6.87 3617 3802 0.14 7.78 2868 2505 306.0 7.71 2.85 1875 1453 1.72 6.65 3538 3657 0.11 7.71 2803 2435 309.0 7.68 2.80 1874 1356 1.60 6.70 3573 3731 0.09 7.72 2904 2512 312.0 7.70 2.80 2117 2129 1.96 6.83 3902 3753 0.13 8.04 3223 2603 315.0 7.70 2.89 2106 1744 1.85 6.94 3946 3545 0.10 8.96 3459 2368 318.0 7.72 2.85 2115 2025 2.21 6.89 3933 3772 0.16 8.23 3299 2731 321.0 7.72 2.84 2150 2177 2.24 6.73 3864 3918 0.16 8.20 3313 2989 324.0 7.73 2.82 2173 2207 2.21 6.69 3857 3817 0.15 8.27 3321 2920 327.0 7.73 2.94 2187 2244 2.27 6.69 3805 4088 0.17 8.19 3317 3221 330.0 7.74 2.95 2382 1790 2.46 6.76 4069 4402 0.23 8.14 3536 3297 333.0 7.78 3.05 2777 1942 2.52 6.67 4864 4586 0.21 8.48 4232 3341 337.0 7.75 3.07 2848 1987 2.19 7.20 5059 4908 0.15 8.35 4237 3434 339.5 7.75 2.97 2798 2025 2.35 6.66 4770 4719 0.20 8.06 4152 3552 342.5 7.75 3.07 2782 2105 2.39 6.98 4905 4929 0.18 8.36 4240 3636 344.0 7.75 3.07 2776 2564 2.37 6.90 4860 5242 0.17 8.43 4198 3899 346.0 7.71 2.97 2462 2316 1.56 7.34 4418 4337 0.08 8.16 3386 2732 348.0 7.72 3.01 2506 2515 1.98 7.00 4454 5019 0.12 8.34 3593 3655 350.3 7.71 2.97 2386 2328 1.90 7.19 4624 4795 0.11 8.17 3614 3321 352.3 7.71 3.00 2441 2387 1.95 6.96 4594 4764 0.13 8.27 3869 3596 354.3 7.70 3.05 2531 1888 2.13 7.03 4941 4936 0.14 8.27 3839 3312 356.3 7.68 2.97 2289 1874 1.39 7.62 4250 4101 0.06 8.53 3191 2754 358.3 7.67 3.04 2021 1415 1.05 8.15 4080 3814 0.03 8.49 2685 2026 365.0 7.68 3.48 1358 998 1.13 8.47 3195 3102 0.02 7.95 1949 1597 367.0 7.65 3.91 1266 1063 1.13 8.33 2825 3149 0.02 8.94 1612 1647 368.0 7.65 3.87 1217 1101 1.24 8.31 2475 3257 0.02 9.08 1737 1898

Example 37 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in a Fixed Bed Reactor Using a Pt/Fe/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Fe/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a fixed bed reactor. The experiment was designed to simulate a small section of a fixed bed reactor with gas and liquid feeds entering co-currently.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous reactor system comprising a vertical stainless steel tubular reactor (1.56 cm ID, 60.5 cm in length, 116 ml volume). The gas and liquid feed streams entered the tubular reactor at the top and flowed down through the reactor. The reactor contained a Pt/Fe/C catalyst (42.3 g) comprising platinum (2% by weight) and iron (0.2% by weight) on 1.2 mm-diameter extruded carbon supports ranging from about 1 mm to about 9 mm in length. The reactor was heated to 90° C. with a heated water feed and brought to a pressure of 150 psig with nitrogen. After the reactor temperature reached 90° C., the water and nitrogen flow were stopped and the liquid and oxygen feeds were initiated.

The liquid feed (50 ml/min) comprised an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA (1.92% by weight), glyphosate (1.89% by weight), formic acid (0.26% by weight) and formaldehyde (0.15% by weight). Oxygen (200 sccm) was fed to the top of the reactor with the pressure maintained at 150 psig. After ten days of continuous operation, analysis of the reactor product showed 0.15% formaldehyde, 0.26% formic acid and 2.53% glyphosate.

Example 38 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA to Glyphosate in a Fixed Bed Reactor Using a Pt/Fe/C Catalyst

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA to glyphosate in the presence of a Pt/Fe/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a fixed bed reactor with cocurrent upflow of gas and liquid reactants.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous oxidation reactor system comprising a vertical stainless steel tubular reactor as described in Example 37, except that reactants flowed up through the reaction zone. The reactor contained a Pt/Fe/C catalyst (42.3 g) comprising platinum (2% by weight) and iron (0.2% by weight) on 1.2 mm-diameter extruded carbon supports ranging from about 1 mm to about 9 mm in length. The reactor was heated to 90° C. with a heated water feed and brought to a pressure of 150 psig with nitrogen. After the reactor temperature reached 90° C., the water and nitrogen flow were stopped and the liquid and oxygen feeds were initiated.

The liquid feed (50 ml/min) comprised an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA (1.80% by weight), glyphosate (2.19% by weight), formic acid (0.26% by weight) and formaldehyde (0.14% by weight) and was fed to the bottom of the reactor at 90° C. Oxygen (200 sccm) was fed to the bottom of the reactor with the pressure maintained at 150 psig. After nineteen hours of continuous operation, analysis of the reactor product showed 0.13% formaldehyde, 0.16% formic acid and 2.42% glyphosate.

Example 39 Continuous Oxidation of NPMIDA Potassium Salt to Glyphosate Potassium Salt in a Fixed Bed Reactor Using a Pt/Fe/C Catalyst with Co-Current Upflow of Liquid and Gas Reactants

This example demonstrates the continuous oxidation of NPMIDA potassium salt to glyphosate potassium salt in the presence of a Pt/Fe/C heterogeneous particulate catalyst in a fixed bed reactor with co-current upflow of liquid and gas reactants.

The experiment was conducted in a continuous oxidation reactor system comprising a vertical stainless steel tubular reactor as described in Example 37, except that reactants flowed up through the reaction zone. The reactor contained a Pt/Fe/C catalyst (42.3 g) comprising platinum (2% by weight) and iron (0.2% by weight) on 1.2 mm-diameter extruded carbon supports ranging from about 1 mm to about 9 mm in length. The reactor was heated to 90° C. with a heated water feed and brought to a pressure of 150 psig with nitrogen. After reaching 90° C., the water and nitrogen flow were stopped and the liquid and oxygen feeds were initiated.

The liquid feed (50 ml/min) comprised an aqueous slurry feed material containing NPMIDA as the potassium salt (22.9% by weight), glyphosate (0.09% by weight), formic acid (0.20% by weight) and formaldehyde (0.14% by weight), and was fed to the bottom of the reactor at 90° C. Oxygen (500 sccm) was fed to the bottom of the reactor with the pressure maintained at 150 psig. Analysis of the reactor product showed 0.35% formaldehyde, 0.20% formic acid and 1.56% glyphosate potassium salt.

Example 40 Comparison of Pt/Fe catalyst Versus a Mixture of Pt/Fe and Pt/Fe/Te Catalysts

This example compares the conversion of NPMIDA to glyphosate in a continuous oxidation reactor system using a Pt/Fe heterogeneous particulate catalyst versus the conversion of NPMIDA to glyphosate in a continuous oxidation reactor system using a combination of Pt/Fe and Pt/Fe/Te heterogeneous particulate catalysts.

The reactions were conducted in a continuous reactor system utilizing a 2-liter Hastelloy C autoclave (Autoclave Engineers Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.). The reactor was equipped with an agitator having a 1.25″ diameter six-blade turbine impeller, which was operated at 1600 RPM. The liquid level in the reactor was monitored using a Drexelbrook Universal III™ Smart Level™, with a teflon-coated sensing element. An internal cooling coil was utilized to control the temperature within the reactor during the course of the reaction.

In the first experiment, the reactor was loaded with a Pt/Fe heterogenous particulate catalyst (2.18 g) and an aqueous slurry feed material (1448 g). The catalyst comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight). The aqueous slurry feed material comprised NPMIDA (3.5% by weight), glyphosate (1.5% by weight), formaldehyde (1200 ppm by weight), and formic acid (2500 ppm by weight). The slurry feed also contained NaCl (580 ppm by weight) to mimic NaCl impurity.

The reactor was pressurized to 100 psi with nitrogen and heated to 100° C. Once at temperature, a continuous flow of gaseous oxygen was fed to the reactor without any liquid flow through the system. After 9 minutes, the continuous slurry feed was initiated at a rate of 70.4 g/min and a oxygen flow was continued as described in Table 49 below. A liquid product stream containing glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor and analyzed by HPLC. Oxidation results are also presented in Table 49.

In the second experiment, the reactor was loaded with a Pt/Fe heterogenous particulate catalyst (1.09 g), a Pt/Fe/Te heterogeneous particulate catalyst (1.09 g) and an aqueous slurry feed material (1455 g). The Pt/Fe catalyst comprised platinum (5% by weight) and iron (0.5% by weight) and the Pt/Fe/Te catalyst comprised platinum (5% by weight), iron (0.5% by weight) and tellurium (0.2% by weight). The aqueous slurry feed material comprised NPMIDA (3.5% by weight), glyphosate (1.5% by weight), formaldehyde (1200 ppm by weight), and formic acid (2500 ppm by weight). The slurry feed also contained NaCl (580 ppm by weight) to mimic NaCl impurity.

The reactor was pressurized to 100 psi with nitrogen and heated to 100° C. Once at temperature, a continuous flow of gaseous oxygen was fed to the reactor without any liquid flow through the system. After 19 minutes, the continuous slurry feed was initiated at a rate of 70.4 g/min and oxygen flow was continued as described in Table 50 below. A liquid product stream containing glyphosate product was continuously withdrawn from the reactor and analyzed by HPLC. Oxidation results for the second experiment are also presented in Table 50. TABLE 49 Oxidation Results for Pt/Fe catalyst (Experiment 1) Elapsed feed exit feed exit feed exit feed exit Time O₂ Flow NPMIDA NPMIDA Glyphosate Glyphosate CH₂O CH₂O HCOOH HCOOH (min) (sccm) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 77.0 300.0 3.49 0.82 1.51 3.47 1098.9 2083.9 2118.7 4385.0 147.0 300.0 3.49 0.52 1.51 3.23 1098.9 1674.8 2118.7 4653.9 205.0 300.0 3.49 0.80 1.51 3.49 1098.9 2195.2 2118.7 4206.5 280.0 300.0 3.49 0.84 1.51 3.48 1098.9 2215.4 2118.7 4167.7 1212.0 300.0 3.49 1.07 1.51 3.40 1098.9 2344.2 2118.7 3991.1 1378.0 300.0 3.49 1.18 1.51 3.40 1098.9 2361.3 2118.7 3973.1 1447.0 300.0 3.49 1.17 1.51 3.38 1098.9 2347.3 2118.7 4008.4 1618.0 300.0 3.49 1.26 1.51 3.35 1098.9 2323.1 2118.7 3985.8 1795.0 300.0 3.49 1.35 1.51 3.31 1098.9 2356.2 2118.7 3896.4 2683.0 300.0 3.49 1.39 1.51 3.27 1098.9 2316.2 2118.7 3861.0 2789.0 300.0 3.49 1.45 1.51 3.30 1098.9 2353.9 2118.7 3871.0 2885.0 300.0 3.49 1.53 1.51 3.25 1098.9 2310.5 2118.7 3796.1 3071.0 450.0 3.49 0.98 1.51 3.43 1098.9 2520.4 2118.7 3935.2 3180.0 700.0 3.49 0.88 1.51 3.55 1098.9 2653.0 2118.7 4086.1

TABLE 50 Oxidation Results for Pt/Fe and Pt/Fe/Te catalysts (Experiment 2) feed exit feed exit feed exit feed exit Elapsed O₂ Flow NPMIDA NPMIDA Glyphosate Glyphosate CH₂O CH₂O HCOOH HCOOH Time (min) (sccm) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 48.0 315.0 3.25 0.82 1.60 3.18 1222.1 940.17 2299.6 3757.3 156.0 330.0 3.25 0.75 1.60 3.15 1222.1 1087.2 2299.6 3975.6 210.0 365.0 3.25 0.57 1.60 3.27 1222.1 1200.9 2299.6 4114.4 281.0 410.0 3.25 0.46 1.60 3.39 1222.1 1306.9 2299.6 4182.9 339.0 410.0 3.25 0.67 1.60 3.35 1222.1 1306.5 2299.6 4191.2 626.0 400.0 3.25 0.92 1.60 3.30 1222.1 1385.2 2299.6 4081.0 1295.0 425.0 3.25 1.10 1.60 3.15 1222.1 1289.0 2299.6 3910.2 1424.0 450.0 3.25 1.16 1.60 3.14 1222.1 1341.6 2299.6 3951.3 1548.0 450.0 3.25 1.13 1.60 3.07 1222.1 1292.0 2299.6 3948.4 1648.0 450.0 3.25 1.16 1.60 3.17 1222.1 1264.6 2299.6 3916.0 1762.0 450.0 3.25 1.26 1.60 3.11 1222.1 1234.7 2299.6 3964.7 1820.0 500.0 3.25 1.08 1.60 3.08 1222.1 1200.8 2299.6 4065.8 2749.0 500.0 3.25 1.78 1.60 2.76 1222.1 1079.1 2299.6 3927.5 2857.0 500.0 3.25 1.92 1.60 2.75 1222.1 1065.1 2299.6 3926.3 2986.0 500.0 3.25 1.69 1.60 2.68 1222.1 1031.1 2299.6 3910.7 3118.0 500.0 3.25 1.81 1.60 2.64 1222.1 1009.7 2299.6 3892.2

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified. The above description of the preferred embodiments, including the Examples, is intended only to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application so that others skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

With reference to the use of the word(s) comprise or comprises or comprising in this entire specification (including the claims below), Applicants note that unless the context requires otherwise, those words are used on the basis and clear understanding that they are to be interpreted inclusively, rather than exclusively, and that Applicants intend each of those words to be so interpreted in construing this entire specification. 

1. A process for making an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, the process comprising: introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into an oxidation reactor system; oxidizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the oxidation reactor system in the presence of an oxidation catalyst to produce a reaction product solution containing N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product; precipitating N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals from the reaction product solution to produce a primary product slurry comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and a primary mother liquor; separating precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from said primary mother liquor; and subjecting the primary mother liquor to heat-driven evaporative crystallization to thereby evaporate water from the primary mother liquor, precipitate additional N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals and produce a secondary mother liquor.
 2. The process as set forth in claim 1 wherein the reaction product solution is cooled to precipitate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product crystals from the reaction product solution.
 3. The process as set forth in claim 2 wherein the reaction product solution is cooled as water is evaporated from the reaction product solution by reducing the pressure.
 4. A process for preparing an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product by oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate, the process comprising: introducing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a liquid reaction medium within an oxidation reaction zone, the oxidation reaction zone being substantially back-mixed in the liquid phase and containing a catalyst for the oxidation reaction in contact with the liquid reaction medium, the liquid reaction medium comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product; introducing an oxidizing agent into the oxidation reaction zone; continuously oxidizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the oxidation reaction zone to form the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product; and continuously withdrawing a reaction mixture effluent comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the oxidation reaction zone.
 5. The process as set forth in claim 4 wherein the catalyst comprises a heterogeneous particulate catalyst suspended in the liquid reaction medium within the oxidation reaction zone, the catalyst comprising a noble metal deposited on a particulate carbon support.
 6. The process is set forth in claim 5 wherein the oxidation reaction zone is provided by a fluidized bed reactor.
 7. The process as set forth in claim 5 wherein the oxidation reaction zone is provided by a continuous stirred tank reactor.
 8. The process as set forth in claim 7 wherein the particulate carbon support exhibits a particle size distribution such that about 95% of the catalyst particles are from about 3 to about 100 μm in their largest dimension.
 9. The process as set forth in claim 8 wherein the average particle size of the particulate catalyst is from about 15 to about 40 μm.
 10. The process as set forth in claim 8 wherein the concentration of the particulate catalyst within the oxidation reaction zone is from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % based on the total weight of catalyst and the liquid reaction medium in the oxidation reaction zone.
 11. The process as set forth in claim 7 further comprising cooling the liquid reaction medium.
 12. The process as set forth in claim 11 wherein the liquid reaction medium is cooled in an external heat transfer recirculation loop comprising a heat exchanger.
 13. The process as set forth in claim 7 wherein the oxidizing agent is an O₂-containing gas and is sparged into the liquid reaction medium within the oxidation reaction zone.
 14. A process for preparing an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product by oxidizing an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in a reactor system, the process comprising: introducing an aqueous feed stream comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate into a first oxidation reaction zone; introducing an oxidizing agent into the first oxidation reaction zone; continuously oxidizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the first oxidation reaction zone to form the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product; continuously withdrawing an intermediate reaction mixture effluent comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate from the first oxidation reaction zone; continuously introducing an intermediate aqueous feed stream into a second oxidation reaction zone, the intermediate aqueous feed stream comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and unreacted N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate obtained in the intermediate reaction mixture effluent; introducing an oxidizing agent into the second oxidation reaction zone; continuously oxidizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the second oxidation reaction zone to form additional N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product; and continuously withdrawing a reaction mixture effluent comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the second oxidation reaction zone.
 15. The process as set forth in claim 14 wherein the first and second oxidation reaction zones contain a catalyst for the oxidation reaction.
 16. The process as set forth in claim 15 wherein the catalyst in the first oxidation reaction zone is a heterogeneous particulate catalyst and is suspended in a liquid reaction medium comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate.
 17. The process as set forth in claim 16 wherein the first oxidation reaction zone is substantially back-mixed in the liquid phase.
 18. The process as set forth in claim 17 wherein the first oxidation reaction zone is provided by a stirred tank reactor.
 19. The process as set forth in claim 17 wherein the first oxidation reaction zone is provided by a fluidized bed reactor.
 20. The process as set forth in claim 17 wherein the second oxidation reaction zone is provided by a fixed bed having the catalyst therein.
 21. The process as set forth in claim 15 wherein the catalyst in the first and second oxidation reaction zones is a heterogeneous particulate catalyst and is suspended in a liquid reaction medium comprising the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate.
 22. The process as set forth in claim 21 wherein the first and second oxidation reaction zones are substantially back-mixed in the liquid phase.
 23. The process as set forth in claim 22 wherein the oxidizing agent introduced into the first and second oxidation reaction zones is an O₂-containing gas and the second oxidation reaction zone is substantially back-mixed in the gas phase.
 24. The process as set forth in claim 23 wherein the first and second oxidation reaction zones are provided by first and second continuous stirred tank reactors respectively, the stirred tank reactors containing a headspace above the liquid reaction medium and the second stirred tank reactor being provided with an impeller system adapted to draw gas from the headspace into the liquid reaction medium.
 25. The process as set forth in claim 24 wherein the O₂-containing gas is introduced into the headspace above the liquid reaction medium within the second stirred tank reactor.
 26. The process as set forth in claim 22 wherein the first and second oxidation reaction zones are provided by first and second continuous stirred tank reactors respectively.
 27. The process as set forth in claim 26 wherein the heterogeneous particulate catalyst comprises a noble metal deposited on a particulate carbon support.
 28. The process as set forth in claim 27 wherein the particulate carbon support exhibits a particle size distribution such that about 95% of the catalyst particles are from about 3 to about 100 μm in their largest dimension.
 29. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein the average particle size of the particulate catalyst is from about 15 to about 40 μm.
 30. The process as set forth in claim 28 wherein the concentration of the particulate catalyst within the first and second oxidation reaction zones is from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % based on the total weight of catalyst and the liquid reaction medium in the oxidation reaction zones.
 31. The process as set forth in claim 30 wherein the intermediate reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the first oxidation reaction zone further comprises the particulate catalyst.
 32. The process as set forth in claim 31 wherein the intermediate aqueous feed stream introduced into the second oxidation reaction zone further comprises particulate catalyst obtained in the intermediate reaction mixture effluent.
 33. The process as set forth in claim 30 further comprising cooling the liquid reaction medium in the first oxidation reaction zone.
 34. The process as set forth in claim 33 wherein the liquid reaction medium in the first oxidation reaction zone is cooled in an external heat transfer recirculation loop comprising a heat exchanger associated with the first stirred tank reactor.
 35. The process as set forth in claim 30 wherein the concentration of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed stream is from about 7% to about 15% by weight.
 36. The process as set forth in claim 35 wherein the oxidizing agent is an O₂-containing gas and the O₂-containing gas is sparged into the liquid reaction medium within the first and second oxidation reaction zones.
 37. The process as set forth in claim 36 wherein the total oxygen introduced into the first and second oxidation reaction zones combined is from about 0.5 to about 5 moles of O₂ per mole of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed stream introduced into the first stirred tank reactor.
 38. The process as set forth in claim 37 wherein the total oxygen introduced into the first and second oxidation reaction zones combined is from about 1 to about 3 moles of O₂ per mole of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed stream introduced into the first stirred tank reactor.
 39. The process as set forth in claim 38 wherein the total oxygen introduced into the first and second oxidation reaction zones combined is from about 1.5 to about 2.5 moles of O₂ per mole of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate in the aqueous feed stream introduced into the first stirred tank reactor.
 40. The process as set forth in claim 38 wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration in the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the second stirred tank reactor is from about 200 to about 2000 ppm by weight.
 41. The process as set forth in claim 40 wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration in the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the second stirred tank reactor is from about 500 to about 1500 ppm by weight.
 42. The process as set forth in claim 41 wherein the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate concentration in the reaction mixture effluent withdrawn from the second stirred tank reactor is from about 500 to about 700 ppm by weight.
 43. The process as set forth in claim 38 wherein the conversion of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the first oxidation reaction zone is at least about 70%.
 44. The process as set forth in claim 43 wherein the conversion of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the first oxidation reaction zone is from about 80% to about 95%.
 45. The process as set forth in claim 44 wherein from about 70% to about 90% of the total oxygen introduced into the first and second oxidation reaction zones is introduced into the first stirred tank reactor.
 46. The process as set forth in claim 36 wherein the O₂-containing gas is introduced into the first oxidation reaction zone at a rate such that at least about 60% of the O₂ is utilized in the first oxidation reaction zone.
 47. The process as set forth in claim 46 wherein the O₂-containing gas is introduced into the first oxidation reaction zone at a rate such that at least about 80% of the O₂ is utilized in the first oxidation reaction zone.
 48. The process as set forth in claim 47 wherein the O₂-containing gas is introduced into the first oxidation reaction zone at a rate such that at least about 90% of the O₂ is utilized in the first oxidation reaction zone.
 49. The process as set forth in claim 36 wherein the O₂-containing gas is introduced into the second oxidation reaction zone at a rate such that at least about 60% of the O₂ is utilized in the second oxidation reaction zone.
 50. The process as set forth in claim 49 wherein the O₂-containing gas is introduced into the second oxidation reaction zone at a rate such that at least about 80% of the O₂ is utilized in the second oxidation reaction zone.
 51. The process as set forth in claim 50 wherein the O₂-containing gas is introduced into the second oxidation reaction zone at a rate such that at least about 90% of the O₂ is utilized in the second oxidation reaction zone.
 52. The process as set forth in claim 30 wherein the ratio of the working volume of liquid reaction medium in the first stirred tank reactor to the working volume of liquid reaction medium in the second stirred tank reactor is greater than
 1. 53. The process as set forth in claim 52 wherein the ratio of the working volume of liquid reaction medium in the first stirred tank reactor to the working volume of liquid reaction medium in the second stirred tank reactor is from about 1.1 to about
 5. 54. The process as set forth in claim 30 wherein the residence time in the first stirred tank reactor is from about 10 to about 30 minutes.
 55. The process as set forth in claim 54 wherein the residence time in the second stirred tank reactor is from about 6 to about 20 minutes.
 56. The process as set forth in claim 30 wherein the particulate catalyst further comprises a catalyst-surface promoter in a proportion of at least about 0.05% by weight of the catalyst.
 57. The process as set forth in claim 56 wherein the catalyst-surface promoter comprises bismuth, tin, cadmium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, aluminum, cobalt, lead, titanium, antimony, selenium, iron, rhenium, zinc, cerium, zirconium, tellurium, or germanium.
 58. The process as set forth in claim 56 further comprising introducing a supplemental promoter into the reactor system and mixing it with the particulate catalyst.
 59. The process as set forth in claim 58 wherein the supplemental promoter is introduced into the liquid reaction medium within at least one of the oxidation reaction zones.
 60. The process as set forth in claim 59 wherein the supplemental promoter is introduced into the first oxidation reaction zone.
 61. The process as set forth in claim 58 wherein the supplemental promoter is introduced into the reactor system continuously or intermittently.
 62. The process as set forth in claim 58 wherein the supplemental promoter introduced into the reactor system increases the activity and/or selectivity of the particulate catalyst for oxidizing formaldehyde or formic acid generated during the oxidation of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate.
 63. The process as set forth in claim 58 wherein the supplemental promoter introduced into the reactor system increases the activity and/or selectivity of the catalyst for oxidizing the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate to form the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product.
 64. The process as set forth in claim 58 wherein the supplemental promoter reduces noble metal leaching from the carbon support.
 65. The process as set forth in claim 58 wherein the supplemental promoter comprises bismuth, lead, germanium, tellurium, titanium, copper and/or nickel.
 66. The process as set forth in claim 65 wherein the supplemental promoter comprises bismuth.
 67. The process as set forth in claim 66 wherein the supplemental promoter introduced into the reactor system is in the form of bismuth oxide, bismuth hydroxide, bismuth chloride, bismuth bromide, bismuth iodide, bismuth sulphide, bismuth selenide, bismuth telluride, bismuth sulphite, bismuth sulphate, bismuthyl sulfate, bismuthyl nitrite, bismuth nitrate, bismuthyl nitrate, double nitrate of bismuth and magnesium, bismuth phosphite, bismuth phosphate, bismuth pyrophosphate, bismuthyl carbonate, bismuth perchlorate, bismuth antimonate, bismuth arsenate, bismuth selenite, bismuth titanate, bismuth vanadate, bismuth niobate, bismuth tantalate, bismuth chromate, bismuthyl dichromate, bismuthyl chromate, double chromate of bismuthyl and potassium, bismuth molybdate, double molybdate of bismuth and sodium, bismuth tungstate, bismuth permanganate, bismuth zirconate, bismuth acetate, bismuthyl propionate, bismuth benzoate, bismuthyl salicylate, bismuth oxalate, bismuth tartrate, bismuth lactate, bismuth citrate, bismuth gallate, bismuth pyrogallate, bismuth phosphide, bismuth arsenide, sodium bismuthate, bismuth-thiocyanic acid, sodium salt of bismuth-thiocyanic acid, potassium salt bismuth-thiocyanic acid, trimethylbismuthine, triphenylbismuthine, bismuth oxychloride, or bismuth oxyiodide.
 68. The process as set forth in claim 67 wherein the supplemental promoter introduced into the reactor system is in the form of bismuth oxide.
 69. The process as set forth in claim 68 wherein the supplemental promoter introduced into the reactor system is Bi₂O₃.
 70. A process for removal of water from an aqueous starting solution comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and crystallization N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product therefrom, the process comprising: introducing an aqueous evaporation feed mixture into an evaporation zone, said feed mixture comprising said aqueous starting solution; evaporating water from said feed mixture in said evaporation zone in the presence of solid particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing a vapor phase comprising water vapor, precipitating N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the aqueous liquid phase, and producing an evaporation product comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids and a mother liquor that is substantially saturated or supersaturated in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product; and maintaining a ratio of particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor in said evaporation zone which exceeds the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids incrementally produced by the effects of evaporation to mother liquor incrementally produced thereby.
 71. The process as set forth in claim 70 wherein said evaporation product is divided to provide an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids fraction that is relatively depleted in mother liquor and a mother liquor fraction that is relatively depleted in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids.
 72. The process as set forth in claim 71 wherein maintaining said ratio of particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor in said evaporation zone comprises returning solids obtained in said solids fraction to said evaporation zone or retaining solids obtained in said solid fraction within said zone.
 73. The process as set forth in claim 72 comprising: introducing an evaporation feed mixture comprising said aqueous starting solution into a vapor/liquid separation zone of said evaporation zone wherein the pressure is below the vapor pressure of said mixture, thereby allowing water to flash from the evaporation feed mixture, producing a vapor phase comprising water vapor, and precipitating N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the liquid phase to produce a first slurry stream comprising particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in a saturated or supersaturated mother liquor; separating said vapor phase from said first slurry stream; introducing said first slurry stream into a retention zone in which a supernatant liquid comprising a fraction of said mother liquor is separated from a second slurry stream comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and mother liquor, said retention zone having an inlet for said first slurry, a decantation liquid exit for said supernatant liquid spaced above said inlet, and an exit for said second slurry spaced above said inlet but below said decantation liquid exit; and maintaining the relative rates at which said first slurry is introduced into said retention zone, said second slurry is drawn off through said second slurry exit and said supernatant liquid is drawn off through said decantation liquid exit such that the upward flow velocity in a lower region of said retention zone below said second slurry exit is sufficient to maintain precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in suspension in the liquid phase while the upward flow velocity in an upper region of said retention zone above said second slurry exit is below the sedimentation velocity of at least 80% by weight of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product particles in said lower region.
 74. The process as set forth in claim 73 wherein at least a portion of said second slurry stream is recirculated to said vapor/liquid separation zone.
 75. The process as set forth in claim 74 wherein at least a portion of said second slurry stream and said aqueous starting solution together comprise the evaporation feed mixture introduced into said vapor/liquid separation zone.
 76. The process as set forth in claim 75 wherein said aqueous starting solution and said second slurry stream are mixed before introduction into said vapor/liquid separation zone.
 77. The process as set forth in claim 75 wherein a third slurry stream is removed from said lower region of said zone.
 78. The process as set forth in claim 77 wherein said third slurry stream is removed from said lower region through a slurry exit separate from said second slurry exit.
 79. The process as set forth in claim 77 wherein said third slurry stream is obtained by dividing said second slurry stream into a recirculation stream and said third slurry stream.
 80. The process as set forth in claim 77 wherein the relative rates of the flow of said aqueous starting solution to said vapor/liquid separation zone, recirculation of all or part of said second slurry stream to said vapor/liquid separation zone, withdrawal of said supernatant liquid from said decantation liquid exit, withdrawal of said third slurry stream from said lower region of said retention zone, and return to said evaporation zone of any liquid or solids bearing streams from any solids/liquid separations to which said third slurry may be subjected, are sufficient to establish a ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor in said lower region of said zone that is higher than the ratio of precipitated solid N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product incrementally produced by the effects of evaporation to mother liquor incrementally produced thereby.
 81. The process as set forth in claim 80 wherein the relative flow rates of said streams are controlled so that the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids concentration in said lower region of said zone is at least about twice the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids in the mixture of such solids and mother liquor that is or would be produced by flashing of said aqueous starting solution in said vapor/liquid zone in the absence of said recirculated second slurry stream.
 82. The process as set forth in claim 81 wherein solids are removed from said third slurry to produce a recycle liquid fraction which is recirculated to said vapor/liquid separation zone, whereby said evaporation feed mixture further comprises said recycle liquid fraction.
 83. The process as set forth in claim 82 wherein both said aqueous starting solution and said recycle liquid fraction are mixed with said second slurry stream prior to introduction into said vapor/liquid separation zone.
 84. The process as set forth in claim 83 wherein the relative flow rates of all of said streams, including said recycle liquid fraction, are controlled so that the solids content of the slurry in said lower region of said zone is at least about 12% by weight.
 85. The process as set forth in claim 83 wherein the relative flow rates of said streams are controlled so that solids removed from said third slurry have a median cube weighted particle size of at least about 200 μm.
 86. The process as set forth in claim 83 wherein the relative flow rates of said streams are controlled so that the solids removed from said third slurry have a BET surface area not greater than about 0.09 m²/g.
 87. The process as set forth in claim 85 wherein the upward flow velocity in said lower region is at least four times the sedimentation velocity of at least 80% by weight of the solids contained therein, and the upward flow velocity in the upper region of the zone is less than one fourth the sedimentation velocity of at least 80% by weight of the solids in said second slurry.
 88. The process as set forth in claim 81 wherein said feed mixture comprises a slurry of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in an aqueous liquid phase that is supersaturated in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, said feed mixture flowing along a recirculation path between said second slurry exit and an inlet to said vapor/liquid separation zone without substantial axial back-mixing.
 89. The process as set forth in claim 88 wherein the surface area of the solids contained in said feed mixture is sufficient to allow production of crystalline N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product having a median cube weighted particle size of at least about 200 μm.
 90. The process as set forth in claim 89 wherein the maximum extent of supersaturation expressed as the difference between the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration in the aqueous liquid phase at any location within said recirculation path and the saturation concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the aqueous liquid phase at such location is not greater than about 0.7% by weight, basis the aqueous liquid phase.
 91. The process as set forth in claim 89 wherein the integrated average extent of supersaturation expressed as the difference between the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration in the aqueous liquid phase and the saturation concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the aqueous liquid phase over said recirculation path is not greater than about 0.5% by weight, basis the aqueous liquid phase.
 92. The process as set forth in claim 89 wherein the integrated average extent of supersaturation expressed as the difference between the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product concentration in the aqueous liquid phase and the saturation concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the aqueous liquid phase over said recirculation path is at least 0.2% lower than the extent of supersaturation required to provide the same crystallization productivity per unit working volume of a reference evaporator consisting of a fully back mixed evaporation zone in which the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor is equal to the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids incrementally produced by the effects of the evaporation to mother liquor incrementally produced thereby.
 93. The process as set forth in claim 81 wherein the rate of recirculation of said second slurry to said vapor/liquid separation zone is at least about 20 times the rate of withdrawal of said supernatant liquid from said decantation liquid exit.
 94. The process as set forth in claim 73 wherein said vapor/liquid separation zone is positioned above the interface between said lower region and said upper region of said retention zone and is segregated from said upper region, said vapor/liquid separation zone being in fluid flow communication with the lower region of said retention zone via a draft tube for flow of said first slurry from said separation zone to said lower region.
 95. The process as set forth in claim 73 which is operated substantially without transfer of heat to or from said vapor/liquid separation zone, said retention zone, said feed mixture or said second slurry.
 96. The process as set forth in claim 73 wherein precipitation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product upon evaporation results primarily from cooling of the aqueous liquid phase in the evaporation zone.
 97. The process as set forth in claim 73 comprising: removing an evaporation product slurry from said lower region of said retention zone; subjecting said evaporation product slurry to solids/liquid separation to provide an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids fraction that is relatively depleted in mother liquor and a mother liquor fraction that is relatively depleted in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids; and returning solids obtained in said solids fraction to said evaporation zone or retaining solids obtained in said solid fraction within said zone, thereby maintaining a ratio of particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor in said evaporation zone which exceeds the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids produced by the evaporation to mother liquor produced thereby.
 98. A method for removal of water from an aqueous starting solution comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and crystallization of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product therefrom, the process comprising: introducing an evaporation feed mixture comprising said aqueous starting solution into a vapor/liquid separation zone wherein the pressure is below the vapor pressure of said mixture, thereby allowing water to flash from the evaporation feed mixture, producing a vapor phase comprising water vapor and increasing the concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in the remaining liquid phase to a concentration in excess of the solubility of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, whereby N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product precipitates from the liquid phase to produce a first slurry stream comprising particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in a saturated or supersaturated mother liquor; separating said vapor phase from said first slurry stream; introducing said first slurry stream into a decantation zone in which a supernatant liquid comprising a fraction of said mother liquor is separated from a second slurry stream comprising precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and mother liquor, said decantation zone having an inlet for said first slurry, a decantation liquid exit for said supernatant liquid spaced above said inlet, and an exit for said second slurry vertically spaced above said inlet but below said supernatant liquid exit; and maintaining the relative rates at which said first slurry is introduced into said decantation zone, said second slurry is drawn off through said second slurry exit and said supernatant liquid is drawn off through said decantation liquid exit such that the upward flow velocity in a lower region of said decantation zone below said second slurry exit is sufficient to maintain precipitated N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product in suspension in the liquid phase while the upward flow velocity in an upper region of said decantation zone above said second slurry exit is below the sedimentation velocity of at least 80% by weight of the N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product particles in said lower region.
 99. A process for removal of water from an aqueous starting solution comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product and crystallization N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product therefrom, the process comprising: introducing an aqueous evaporation feed mixture into an evaporation zone, said feed mixture comprising said aqueous starting solution; evaporating water from said feed mixture in said evaporation zone in the presence of solid particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, thereby producing a vapor phase comprising water vapor, precipitating N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product from the aqueous liquid phase, and producing an evaporation product comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids and a mother liquor that is substantially saturated or supersaturated in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product; dividing said evaporation product to provide an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids fraction that is relatively depleted in mother liquor and a mother liquor fraction that is relatively depleted in N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids; and maintaining a ratio of particulate N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids to mother liquor in said evaporation zone that exceeds the ratio of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product solids incrementally produced by the effects of evaporation to mother liquor incrementally produced thereby. 